A minister once visited one of the men from his church who had not been in attendance in recent weeks. Knowing how defensive the man might be if he brought up the subject, he decided ahead of time to try a different approach. It was the winter months and there was a roaring fire going in the fireplace. After talking about the weather for a few minutes, the minister got up from his chair and, taking the fireplace tongs, moved one of the red hot coals from the middle of the fire out onto the hearth. He then took his seat and resumed the conversation which had moved on to the local high school basketball team. After a season of small talk the minister picked up the coal with his hand and tossed it back into the middle of the fire where it immediately began to burn brightly again. As the minister grabbed his coat and headed for the door the only words spoken by the man were, ‘‘See you on Sunday, Reverend.” Though unspoken, the minister’s parable had been clearly heard and received.
The moral of this story is that we only burn brightly and sustain heat when we are surrounded by others who are already in the fire. Like the coal, when left to ourselves we quickly lose our heat. This is as true in the Marine Corps and it is true in the church. There is a certain synergistic quality that ensues when we are gathered together with others who are headed in the same direction we need to be going. With this in mind, I would like to give you some ideas for how to ‘‘stay in the fire” during 2008.
First, find a church where the gospel is preached clearly and also lived out. If you are a Christian, the church is the primary place for you to hear God’s word preached, exercise the gifts God has given you, and enjoy the fellowship of God’s people. There is no substitute for becoming part of a local church.
Second, set aside time every day for personal and family devotions. This includes reading the Bible and praying. Every evening after supper, my family and I read a portion from the Scriptures, sing a hymn together, and pray.
Third, take advantage of the many opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth in the workplace. There are many studies and groups going on around base every week. Visit the Command Chaplain’s Web site or talk with your unit’s chaplain for a list of activities, ongoing studies, and special events. One important event is being held on April 26 at the Base Theatre by world-renowned Bible teacher, Dr. Ray Vander Laan. See the Web site for details and make plans to attend.
There are many ways for you to get into or stay ‘‘in the fire” this year. Take some time today to pray and consider how you might increase your spiritual temperature in 2008.
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