As a kid, I one day decided I was going to make a rocket-powered skateboard like in the cartoons. The logic seemed simple enough; fire equals propulsion. The next step was obtaining a fuel source and a fire source. Logically, I used straw from a broom and grabbed some matches.

I proceeded to tie the straws to the end of the skateboard and then stood back slightly as I reached over to light the straw with a match…nothing. The straw would not take. That’s when I thought the solution was to add fuel to the fire.

As I started to add gas to the small amber, suddenly, I saw a fire trail coming up the stream of gas into the tank. In a panic, I threw the tank and saw it burst into a giant fireball.

Apparently, in my panic, I mistakenly threw it next to our house. Overwhelmed by the situation now out of my control, I ran into the house and yelled out, “FIRE. THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!” My parents and their guests came rushing to the front, and eventually, my father put the fire out.

My story reminds me that what I meant for good turned out to be wrong. As men, we tend to use our fire or intense desire in a misguided way. We start with good intentions but in the end, turn out harming not only ourselves but also others. Let’s work on harnessing our fire for good.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Matthew 3:11-12 for yourself. 

Pray:

What are you intensely pursuing at all costs? What’s the price you or others are paying for this? Be real, be honest, and be vulnerable.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Create a plan of action on how you will harness your intensity and desire to pursue redeeming things. Be specific.

Share / Show:

Share this with another man and have them hold you accountable.