As I write this, wildfires are consuming large portions of land in the western United States and in Europe. Dry landscapes and weather make the conditions susceptible to the spread of these fires. Unfortunately, lives are lost or forever altered as the fires move.
As I have gotten older, I have noticed that I am more content with my environment. That contentment is good in that I am not pursuing meaningless achievements and material things. But this contentment also dampens my desire to transform my life by God’s power and to contribute to the transformation of other lives.
The Bible says that God is a consuming fire. He is light and His light dismantles and destroys darkness. He created us to be light in the world and participate in His work of destroying darkness. This requires that we be passionate in our love for God and compassionate in serving the needs of people.
We must stoke the fires of passion for God and compassion for others. Romans 12:11 says, “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” An important way to stoke these fires is by serving God and others. There, God’s heart is revealed and our hearts are warmed by meeting needs. On the other hand, laziness and the failure to serve will dampen the fire. Be a light in the world today. Serve God and people in the name of Jesus Christ.
Reluctant Retiree 