"Don’t light a lamp and put it under a bowl" Matthew Ch 5 v 15
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James chapter 3 verse 5
A good firelighter is the most important consumable for starting a great roaring campfire…
So take heed and remember.
For want of a spark the firelighter did not catch light.
For want of a burning firelighter the kindling did not catch fire.
For want of glowing embers from the kindling, the wood did not burst into flames.
For want of a roaring fire the camper was not warmed.
For want of glowing heat the adventurer went to bed cold.
For want of a cheerful guy the experience was less than expected.
All for the want of a spark.
A slight play on words perhaps. The bible talks about the effect of a spark in a slightly different tack. One small spark can create havoc for the emergency services.
In James chapter 3 verse 5, the apostle James writes
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
Our tongue can give out words of immense encouragement one minute and great boasts and “fire ” the next. On a Sunday morning we can sing our soul out praising God for who He is and what he has done for us. Then on Monday morning say things that give away a slight attitude of hypocrisy.
The bible encourages us to guard our tongue, our words and speak to one another in a way that is honouring and respectful. That’s easier said than done. But like a spark, words said in anger or before engaging our brain can have a devastating effect on our world immediately around us. A forest wiped out by a small spark can take a long time to recover. One small word can cause a close relationship to breakdown with a long road to recovery.
FUEL FOR THE SOUL
UP->God — What has this devotion reminded you of, or taught you about the character of God?
IN->You — Is there something new you can do today to be more Christ like?
OUT->Others — Is there an encouragement here to speak to someone about your faith or is God calling you to do something courageous for Him today?
