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When my mom and dad were a young couple they were farmers living
along the northeast Texas side of the Red River, separating Oklahoma
from Texas. The name Red came from the red color of the water,
caused as it washed away the red Texas clay along the riverbank. The
Red River was prone to flooding and often changed course as the
riverbank eroded. Over the years the river had gotten closer to
their small farmhouse due to erosion. Whenever the river flooded and
the riverbank began to slowly crumble into the water my dad would
build a small bonfire within a few yards of the edge. During the
night he would get up often to make sure the fire was still burning,
which would indicate that the river had not gotten closer to the
house and washed away the ground under the fire. My dad knew that
the only time he really had to worry was when the fire went out.
Have you ever felt like the foundation under you has begun to erode,
to crumble away? Has your fire for life, for your job and
for spiritual things started to dim? Maybe it has even gone out! If
so, you’re not alone. I see people often who have given up on
life. A major part of my ministry is centered on encouraging
and rebuilding. I want people to see that God has given
them the tools necessary to become happy productive on fire
Christians. All they have to do is apply these tools. I Corinthians
12:4-6 says that there are different tools, or gifts, that we have
as Christians, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the
same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same
Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works
all of them in all men.” Young adults need to realize that landing
that first career and the first significant relationship will take
TIME! People who are recovering from loses in relationships
need to remember that healing and redirection take TIME! If
you are struggling in any area of your life it could be that you are
not properly tending you spiritual fire. You should consider a trip
out to gather some more firewood!
Common Sense Application
1. Add fuel to your spiritual fire by
being an active participant in a local church or spiritually based
group. Spend more TIME in God’s Word; try II Timothy 2:15 as an
encouragement.
2. Add air to your fire by breathing a
prayer daily as you spend time with God.
3. Fan your fire by taking enthusiastic
action on the principles God has set down for your life. Colossians
3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as
working for the Lord, not for men.”
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