Fire

I have a little experience with fire. I have built a few, put out a few, and fought a few over the years. I know how easy it is to go from a fire that is quietly burning just as intended, to one that is “out of control” and ruling the actions of people who wish to be somewhere else.

Wildfires are tragic. They destroy lives, houses, businesses, and the beauty of the countryside as they blow through following the course of the wind. I admire the men and women who dedicate themselves to making the attempt to control something so erratic and vicious. It is long, hot, hard work. Very few are up to the task – God bless them as they labor.

I can’t help but think of  the Apostle James writing to the Church about how a person’s tongue can be a “fire” set ablaze by Hell itself. Blowing through the Church, the community, the lives of people – wreaking havoc and damaging if not destroying everything in its path, it moves quickly and with abandon.

Every time I see a fire, or hear about wildfires and forest fires, house fires, and unattended camp fires, and the sparks from train wheels that ignite the grass along the tracks, I think about how my tongue works to speak both blessing and cursing. Ultimately I must choose one or the other. The outcome of that choice is my responsibility.

Fire is a good and great tool. It is also an unforgiving enemy.