Keep the Flame Burning

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire, (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

This short verse packs a powerful punch. I do not know about you, but there is nothing I love more on a cool fall evening than a bonfire. I have often sat near a fire pit and watched the embers slowly die down until the fire was fully extinguished and all that was left was ash. I have also seen the flames of a fire pit quickly extinguished with water.

While the fire within a fire pit is meant to be extinguished, both scenarios bring to light Paul’s warning to the early church. The Holy Spirit is like a flame within us. From the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit is God within us, guiding us and giving us fruit to overcome the fallen world we live in—to be in the world but not of the world.

Just like the slowly dying fire, we can allow the Spirit’s fire within us to slowly die through distraction and compromise. Conversely, we can quickly put out the Spirit’s flame when we choose to fully ignore conviction and prompting. Both have consequences that we may not fully comprehend. Without the power, or flame, of the Spirit, we do not have God leading us, guiding us, and ensuring that we walk, talk, and act in a way that honors Him. It is true that God is always there and the Spirit is always with us, yet we can put out the fire of the Spirit.

Be mindful of the distractions and compromises we make in our lives. Just as a fire that slowly goes out may leave nothing but ash, these choices can gradually weaken the flame within us. Be open to the prompting and calling of the Holy Spirit, and continue to feed the flame within us. This flame produces fruit that allows others to see the peace that surpasses all understanding when we surrender our lives to Jesus. It is this fire that allows us to share the gospel with others and continue to walk, talk, and act in a way that honors our Father.

Prayer: Father, give us the wisdom and conviction to follow Your Spirit and continue to feed the flame within us. Protect us from distraction. Fill us with Your fruit, Father, and use us to lead others to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.