Flies Own Ants

Did you get a chance to read the article about the parasitic flies? According to a recent article in the Baltimore Sun, researchers in Texas are trying to combat fire ants by deploying parasitic flies that turn the pesky insects into zombies whose heads fall off. No joke! Called the phorid fly, this South American fly is native to a region where the ants originated.

Here's how it works. The flies lay eggs on the ant. The eggs hatch into maggots which eventually eat away at the fire ant's tiny brain. The ant begins to wander aimlessly for a period of 2 weeks until his head falls off. By then the maggot has become a fly which is ready to destroy another fire ant. This is absolutely hilarious!

While I laughed a good bit after hearing about the zombie ants, I couldn't help but see a parallel to the spiritual lives of believers. The truth is that there is one who has every intention of destroying us. His name is Satan.

The parasites that he sends our way are many: pornography, alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, adultery, bitterness, jealousy, etc. Unfortunately, the more we give in, the more we have the very life sucked out of us. We become spiritually useless, wandering around like zombies until we finally experience spiritual death.

Perhaps you've been attacked by a parasite or perhaps you are playing "host" to one right now. Unlike the ants, the good news is that God's power is greater than the battle you face. Confess your sin and surrender to God. Get help from others around you if you can't shake the parasite on your own. While this may be difficult, I can guarantee you that it will be much better than having your head pop off!

Here's a cool video showing the phorid flies at work (for strong stomachs only!).