The story of the Battle of the Beetles

“Those who guard themselves for God when a passing impulse from the Devil touches them bring God to remembrance and at once they see things clearly.” (Qur’an 7:201)

There used to be this gigantic strong tree in Colorado that had outlived devastating avalanches, wild storms and apparently was struck by lightning 14 times. Many natural disasters had passed through the forest while this tree stood continuously growing. As the story goes this tree was eventually leveled by an army of beetles. Age did not kill this tree, storms did not drown this tree, lightning did not burn this tree, but rather it was an army of small beetles that destroyed this tree. First the beetles ate passed the bark of the tree to its core. Then from the inside they slowly worked their way out until this incredible forest giant fell to the ground. An insect small and weak enough to be crushed between the fingers of man was able to kill this tree through consistent attacks from within the tree.

This story is a reminder that a lot of us can withstand moments of intense pain or overcome great obstacles, but it’s the things we consider to be little compounded over time that can result in our destruction. Many of us are destroyed from the inside out by the things that we minimize like jealousy, envy, greed and lust. Over time these vices can attack the soul within us decaying the core strength of our faith.

Practice:

•     What are 2-3 sins you struggle with?

•     Make the prayer for Allah to help you to let go of your attachment to these sins or inclinations.

•     At the end of the day reflect on how you did in facing these vices throughout the day?

•     If you did well, celebrate that success!

•     If you felt you could do better, ask yourself where you fell short and in what ways you can strengthen your defenses.

•     Implement the necessary changes and continuously ask God for help with your discipline.