Keep Burning by Robin Densmore Fuson

 

What is your temperature? Does your temperature fluctuate?

The mandate said we had to make sure to extinguish the fire. With a sturdy stick, I separated the logs and rolled them in the dirt and ash of the pit. I watched in fascination as the plumes of smoke wafted into the air. The iron pit contained the spent fuel and ash so nothing around burned.

At the campsite’s fire pit, I sat and watched the logs as they cooled. The glow of red grew dim until no red could be seen. I understood they were still hot. If stirred, I could get another flame. They would eventually cool to the touch.

On closer inspection, some are hot and could ignite given a little stirring of a breath of wind and some kindling. Some are warm to the touch but will not burn. Others are lukewarm and can be handled. A few are cold and worthless.

The fire took its time but eventually died. Each log cooled to white ash. If I placed them together and added kindling, I may get another fire but my goal for this was to leave no hint of flame. I doused the logs with water.

We are like this fire pit before it is doused with water. Each individual is of varying temperatures. Some are hot and on fire for the Lord, studying their Bibles and attending Bible classes. They seem to be at church every time the doors are open. They sing with abandon in worship with their hands raised to petition and praise the Lord. Others have cooled in their faith. They know the Lord and attend church but only occasionally read the Word. A few people are stone cold. The flame of faith has gone out.

God’s Word tells us to read His Word, meditate on scripture, and hang out with other believers. We are fortunate to be able to worship freely and learn from great teachers in our local churches, books, radio, internet, and television.

We need to read and study the word of God on a regular basis. Listening to Bible studies and memorizing the Word is also beneficial. We don't have to memorize a whole portion of scripture at one time a few words at a time over days is one way to memorize. Taking one word or phrase from a verse and thinking about it during the day is meditating. The Bible tells us to study, meditate, and memorize God's word. When we do these things our spiritual temps increase.  

Leviticus 6:13 Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out.

Our spiritual life is like the altar where we keep the fire burning. It’s important to check our temperatures.