United Front

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

I slapped my legs in horror as I looked down and saw what was stinging me. Hundreds of fire ants, undetected, had covered my leg as I’d napped in the Florida sun. Now, in one accord they triggered one another to begin the attack.

Liquid fire ran up my leg as I ran to the swimming pool and jumped in. Within seconds they ceased their attack, floating away. But the pain would last the rest of the day as tiny bubbles of poison formed where each ant buried its unflinching little jaws into me.

How I marveled at their organization. They were so in-tune to know the exact moment to come against the enemy. Like soldiers, fire ants are known for their undivided front in order to make an impact on intruders much larger than they. 

As a follower of Christ, I too am a soldier. I could learn a lot from these little creatures. Children of God are constantly faced with problems much bigger than us. Yet so often we try to go it alone—to face the giants without the help of our comrades. 

What trials might we overcome faster and more efficiently if we would only call on our brothers and sisters to pray with us, to stand with us in unity? Ephesians 4 reminds us how desperately in need of one another we should be. May we never say “I don’t need others in my life.” Instead, I want to reach out daily to my fellow believers and together, lean on Jesus.