As a daring kid, I one day decided I was going to make a rocket powered skateboard. Just like in the cartoons, I thought if fire was applied to the end of a skateboard it would propel the skateboard forward. Seemed logical.

I proceeded to tie a straw broom to the end of a skateboard and then light it. Unfortunately, the straw would not light. I must be low on fuel I thought. I grabbed a can gas and started to pour gas onto a small flame. All of a sudden, I saw this fire trail start coming up the stream of into the tank. In a panic I threw the gas tank to the side and saw it burst into a large ball of flame.

Apparently in my panic, I mistakenly threw it towards the house. The ball of flame grew into a tower of flame which started to reach the corner of the roof! 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 out and eventually my father smothered the fire with sand.

My idea for using fire was to propel and drive me forward was good in theory. But instead, I almost ended up burning up the house. So much of the fire we carry as men is misguided. We start off with good intentions but in the end, turn out burning down our homes, bodies, lives and futures.

FX3 Challenge:

Read:

Read and meditate on James 3:6. What does this verse say to you?

Pray:

How has your “fire” been constructive or destructive to yourself and others?

Meditate / Make It Real:

What will you do differently today to make your “fire” productive for others?