Fire Starter

One of my favorite relaxing activities is a good campfire. My friends will tell you that even in summer time, if I’m camping, there will be a campfire. When it’s hot the fire is small, but in cooler weather, I really enjoy a good roaring campfire. Yesterday, I was cleaning out my garage and found some odd shaped and smaller wood pieces that I had saved, but they were no longer needed and so I decided to start a campfire. It has been really wet here in Georgia for the past several months. The Atlanta Journal said it was the second wettest year on record for Atlanta. I must confess that I have a few “hacks” when it comes to starting a fire. I don’t rub sticks together. I don’t use paper very often. I have a fire starter stick and I purchase Charcoal lighter in bulk! I can have a nice fire in minutes! I also have several long lighters on hand to get the fire going.I was reading Proverbs this morning and Solomon compares quarrels and fights to fire. Check this out….

²⁰ Fire goes out without wood,
    and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

²¹ A quarrelsome person starts fights
    as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

²² Rumors are dainty morsels

that sink deep into one’s heart. (Proverbs 26:20-22 NLT)

I must confess that I’ve struggled with gossip at times in my life. I often catch myself after the event. Once words are spoken, they are out there and they’ve either encouraged or discouraged. Words either build up or tear down. I have decided that where there is “drama”, there is probably gossip and rumor. Just as quickly as I can start a fire with my “equipment”, I can start a fire with gossip or rumor. I’m reminded that James said the “tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” (James 3:6 NLT)

I believe that as a Christ follower, I should NOT gossip.

I believe that as a Christ follower, I should NOT share rumors.

I believe that as a Christ follower, I should seek to encourage and build up others. I have to take responsibility for the words that come from my mouth or come via text or email from me. I am thankful for the Word of God that has built me. The Word of God has pointed me to the Author of Life. He loves it when I speak about Him. He loves it when I share my faith. He is profoundly disappointed when I participate in gossip and rumor.  I want to be a life giver with words instead of a fire starter with gossip or rumor.

Pressing On!

Dwayne