Not long ago, scientists discovered a parasitic fungus turning carpenter ants in Thailand into “zombies.” The fungus, a species of Ophiocordyceps, hijacks the ants’ nervous systems, causing the insects to perform abnormal—and oddly specific—behaviors that help the fungus reproduce.

They found that the growing fungus slowly fills the ant’s body and head, causing muscles to waste away and muscle fibers to spread apart. At first, the infected ants go about their everyday business, doing what ants usually do. However, as time goes on, the fungal part increases until that ant’s behavior is no longer their own. It takes about nine days from the initial infection for the ants to become wholly “zombified.”

To make matters worse for the ant, they also found that the fungus tends to kill its host. A study leader referred to these ants as “…chimeras: part ant and part fungus.”

This strange story reminds me of how we are all vulnerable to a similar outcome. When we let unforgiveness, pride, hate, or similar parasitic thoughts or emotions linger, they will eventually take over and leave a destructive result. It’s only through prayer, reading the word, and repenting that we can find healing.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on James 1:13-14. 

Pray:

What parasitic thought, emotion or sin are you hosting right now? Be real; be honest.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Pray and ask God to forgive you and heal you. It may take time but it must be a deliberate effort. Be specific.

Share / Show:

Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.