The Mystery of Fire

Do you ever think about fire? What is this mysterious thing that needs fuel to survive? When it’s under control, fire works for our benefit. It gives us the pleasure of warmth, light and to heat up vegetable soup. When it’s out of control, it becomes a terrifying inferno. Fire isn’t something that was accidentally discovered by some primal caveman. It was given by God to humanity for our benefit. It’s like His gift of sex. Keep it under the control of righteousness, and it will give you pleasure. Let it get out of control through lust and pornography, and it will eventually overtake you. You end up at its mercy. It will start as a warm and harmless glow, but there is a demonic wind that will blow that flame until it is out of control, and it will demand fuel to survive. You become its fuel. Look at this warning: “For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:26-28). So, what's the answer for moth-brained men, who just can't keep away from the fascinating flame? It is to put it out through repentance towards the God we have offended, and through absolute trust in the One who suffered and died to make us clean. Then we keep the fire out daily, with the washing of the water of the Word.