Putting Out Fires
Would you call God a liar ? No ? Then, it’s as He said…”Every word of Scripture is God-breathed”(2 Timothy 3:16-17 ); right ? Ok then…now that we’ve established that … let’s look at God’s words through Paul to the church. And even though it was to the church in Thessalonica, it’s also to those of us that claim the name of “Christ”… by grace through faith ( Ephesians 2:8-9 )…since “we” ARE “the church”. Here’s what He’s telling us …” Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; don’t treat prophesies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 ) Instructions straight from God’s lips to ours ! So, how’re you doin with em ? Six “do’s” and two “do not’s” … test yourself…and I’ll do “me”. I wanted to touch on one of the “do not’s” in this particular post … “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire”(v. 19 ). How do we put out, or “quench”, the fire of the Spirit of God ?!? Have you ever given this much thought ? I’m bettin “no”. In fact, i believe the majority of the “churches” around our country are “dousin water on” the move of the Spirit every Sunday ! I’ll tell you why…and this is just a few ways that I’ve personally seen or experienced over the years I’ve been a Christian : A person has heard the whisper of, or call from God, and they’ve broken tradition and visited a local church…a little apprehensive and not real sure what to expect. They make it past the “greeters” at the door and unsure which direction is right. From that point on, all they’re seein is folks smilin, jokin and huggin on each other…undoubtedly, they all know each other… but nobody notices that lost look on your face, so you’re just gonna haveta figure out where you’re goin by yourself. You’re already feelin like a fugitive needing a place to hide. Finally, you find a seat…only to be looked at funny when a couple stops and gives you “that look”…like you’re sittin in “their” seat. Nobody acknowledges you as a visitor…the only handshake you get is from someone tryin to get by you to hug that person they know. You try t’ get into the singin and the message, but all you can think about is how you felt more welcomed at Walmart, the Waffle House or that bar you like hangin out at. Christians just put out the fire that God started inside your heart. Here’s another: You’ve just finished praising the Lord with some dynamic music and singin…and the message from the pastor…WHOooWeeee ! It was a doozy ! Heart was moved and tears were real and folks were comin to the altar cryin their confessions and petitions unto God ! But then…all the movement was suddenly put on hold because someone on the staff had to re-mention the upcoming week’s scheduling ,( like folks can’t read it in the bulletin ). All the air seemed to be let out the tire…and the Spirit’s fire was just quenched. One more: You’ve prayed, read your morning devotional, listened to some encouraging praise music, and off to church with the fam ! About the time you’re vacating the car, little Johnny slips and dirties up his clean clothes. You automatically berate and belittle him for his clumsiness…lookin around to see if anybody was close enough to hear you…seein the disgust in your spouse’s expression and the hurt in your little boy’s eyes. You just killed the Spirit’s fire … and now “church” ain’t so exciting a place anymore. Think about it and I’m positive you’ll recall some other “real life” examples of times you’ve either put out the Spirit’s fire, or, someone put out yours. It happens every day…not just Sundays. God’s Spirit lives inside each believer, but He’s also activating “it” in people that He’s drawing / wooing to Himself. We’ve GOT t’ be more careful with our words, our actions and our facial expressions ! People need to see, hear, and feel Jesus’ love when we’re around em. Remember … we may be the only Christian ( little Christ ) they encounter. We’ve gotta leave a good impression ! Their eternal salvation could depend on it ! “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” Thank you, GOD