Controlled Burn

Back around 1998 wild fires were raging in Central Florida.  I remember because my sons were on a mission trip there from North Carolina and there was great concern back home for their safety.  Highways were closed, smoke was debilitating and the fires were running rampant.  More than one person from Florida expressed the opinion that if the state had been maintaining controlled burns this would have never happened.  The costs were well in excess of $100 million, far greater than the annual costs of controlled burns.  Consistent clearing away of the undergrowth and debris maintains a healthy forest.  Unchecked growth creates a climate that chokes life out of the forest while making it vulnerable to the rampages of fire.  Now take this scenario and impose it over our spiritual lives. 

We begin our spiritual lives as a young sapling.  Often at these early stages we are surrounded and encouraged by more mature believers guiding us in our growth.  As we progress and live life, weeds creep in and begin growing around us.  Sometimes we recognize them and pull them out (roots and all) but sometimes we ignore them thinking they will just go away.  Sadly they may die off in a season but the roots remain for them to pop back up next season stronger and larger than previously.  Additionally things come into our lives that are just debris and they clutter the space around us.  Over the years, the debris and the undergrowth build up.  We are trying to grow tall and healthy in this forest of life, but must struggle against the things that inhibit our health, our spiritual wellness.

We have the availability of a controlled burn in our lives.  Holy Spirit is the cleansing fire that can burn away the debris and hold in check the growth of those weeds that would love to choke the life out of us.   Acts 15:8-9 God, who knows people's hearts, confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he gave him to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he also cleansed their hearts through faith.   God knows our hearts and knows what is going to prevent us from stepping into the fullness He has destined for us.  Hence He provided Holy Spirit to walk with us through this life because we cannot do life on our own - not and live it according to God's will.  Matthew 3:11 "I baptize with water those who turn from their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am -- so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Have you ever experienced the controlled burn that comes when you allow Holy Spirit access and give Him permission to do what is necessary? Romans 8:12-13 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.  For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.  Death by fire - Holy Spirit fire - of our flesh and all in which it would entangle us.  It is far too easy to allow the factors of life to manipulate us and distract us.  However we are called to listen to the voice of Holy Spirit, our counselor, teacher, comforter.  If we allow the controlled burn to happen daily in our lives, we are in a much stronger position to avoid the ravages of wild fires that will destroy our lives.

We have all witnessed the destruction of people that we thought were well grounded and spiritually sound.  Yet in a moment, their lives were in shatters, ravaged by the relentless flames of wrong choices, poor influences and lack of discipline (to name only a few).  There is not a single believer on the face of this planet who is not vulnerable to the wiles of the adversary as he seeks to steal, kill and destroy.  John 10:9-10 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.  We must always guard our hearts and keep our focus on our Lord.  Our daily repentance as well as bearing the fruit of our faith is the best controlled burn we can have.  Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

Each day that passes, I see more clearly the debris that is in my life.  I know that I cannot conquer this without surrendering and submitting to the Lord.  As I explained in last week's blog, we need to be walking under the control of Holy Spirit so that He can produce His fruit in us.  If our lives are cluttered with debris, it just isn't going to happen.  So this week, the message is simple: clean me up Holy Spirit with Your fire!