Is There Anything Good About a Stink Bug?

When we come across a stink bug—an insect with a smelly reputation and known for eating crops—we might ask, “Why did God make this?” In a world splashed with colorful sunsets, chorusing songbirds, and whimsical wildflowers, a stink bug might seem out of place.

 

However, recently, while hiking, it was a stink bug that caught my attention. The bright lime-green critter stood out against a drab brown forest. It was a splash of color against the sleepy landscape, with trees going dormant for winter.

 

Why are stink bugs so smelly? They emit a foul odor to warn predators not to eat them. Along with that, they’re known to eat farmers’ crops. They’re not a very popular insect or a favorite of many…or any. And yet, like everything in creation, God designed them with purpose and precision.

 

Stink bugs destroy crops because Earth is cursed by sin, and God’s original creation is broken. However, we can still glimpse God’s incredible designs and purpose as we realize how beneficial stink bugs can be as they help keep nature in balance.

 

As they feed on plants to get what they need, they release sap that feeds other creatures, like wasps, which then pollinate plants and help them grow. They also feed on other pests that can harm crops. And despite their stink, they are an important food source for some creatures that can see past the smell to a tasty, nutritious morsel. What creatures have stink bugs or their eggs on the menu? Spiders, praying mantis, wheel bugs, pillbugs (roly-polies), lady beetles (lady bugs), and crickets. 

 

Just like stink bugs, we should be known for how we smell. Not like stinky gym shoes—but for having the aroma of Christ. The Bible says we can be the fragrance of Christ. This means when we walk into a room or meet someone new, they can sense, like a sweet smell, the love, kindness, and truth of Christ in us. When Jesus lives in us, we “smell” different from the world around us. We can be known for our scent, not like a smelly stink bug, but like a child of God changed through and through by his grace and love.

 

How can you smell more like Christ this week? Spend time in prayer and learning about him in the Bible. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more his fragrance rubs off on us.

“...Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God….” 2 Corinthians 2:14-15

Dear God, help me to spread the sweet fragrance of Christ to those around me, that more people may know your love and truth.

Fun Fact:

Do stink bugs sound like a delicious snack? In some countries, certain types of stink bugs are considered a delicacy. Of course, the stink has to be removed before enjoying them.

Want to learn more about insects?