Where is the Fire?

Tony Cooke

I seem to write and work best if I have something going on in the background, and even if the volume is very low, this often means I have a news channel playing on the television. Earlier this week, I happened to look up and saw the terrible images of catastrophic wildfires consuming peoples’ homes in the Los Angeles area. I cringed and grimaced as I thought of the pain and loss this was bringing into the lives of the individuals and families who were affected.

A split second later, my eyes shifted slightly to the right, to my own fireplace. I noted the distinct contrast in what I felt. I was immediately mindful of the comfort and enjoyment I had received from that fire over the Christmas break. Both scenes involved flames, but they invoked completely different responses. One was distressing while the other brought a sense of serenity.

It is easy to understand that fire can be a blessing or a curse depending on whether it is properly controlled or if it is out of control. The same is true with water. We need water to live, but exceeding their banks, flooding rivers also destroy homes and lives. Have you ever thought of this principle as it applies to certain issues presented in Scripture?

Jealousy 

People often think negatively of jealousy (like an out-of-control fire), and the Bible does present jealously in a negative light when it is expressed through a carnal and immature person. For example, Proverbs 14:30 NLT says that “jealousy is like cancer in the bones” and Paul admonishes that we “not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another” (Galatians 5:26 NLT).

However, jealously is also presented in a positive light when it is governed by love and infused with the Holy Spirit. Paul said, “For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2 NLT). God’s very nature toward us is one of jealousy — godly jealousy — and this is for our benefit. Moses said, “You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you” (Exodus 34:13 NLT).

Anger 

We typically think of anger as a bad thing, and we’ve all seen out-of-control anger bring much harm to people. But again, governed by the Holy Spirit, anger can motivate people to take positive action and to work redemptively. As a matter of fact, Paul tells us to “Be angry without sinning” (Ephesians 4:26 GWT).

Jesus experienced anger, and was motivated positively by it; he took constructive action as a result (see Mark 3:5). Nehemiah experienced anger when he heard how the rich were taking advantage of the poor during the rebuilding of the wall, and it motivated him to correct the situation (see Nehemiah 5:1-13). Even Aristotle, the Greek philosopher remarked, “The man who gets angry at the right things and with the right people, and in the right way and at the right time and for the right length of time, is commended.”

Covetousness

If you know the Ten Commandments, you are aware that God’s people were told not to covet anything that belonged to their neighbor (Exodus 20:17).  Paul even warns believers that they are not to associate or even eat with other believers who are engaged in covetousness (1 Corinthians 5:11). And yet in the same letter, Paul tells this same group of believers to covet (or eagerly desire) the best gifts and to prophesy (1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:39 KJV).

Hate

Many who would not even acknowledge the authority of Scripture would agree that it is wrong to hate others. And of course, believers know that we are commanded by Jesus to “love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34 NKJV). Who could ever be against love?

But to the surprise of many, hate — a certain kind of hate — is advocated in the Bible. Paul teaches, “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9 NIV). David Semands once remarked, “If you cannot hate wrong, it’s very questionable whether you really love righteousness.” This correlates to what the Father said of Jesus, “You love justice and hate evil” (Hebrews 1:9 NLT). Don’t think for a second that I am advocating the hating of people, but we are to hate the evil that hurts and destroys people whom God loves.

Sorrow 

It is understandable that we have a negative reaction when we hear the word “sorrow” as it is often associated with loss and grief. Naturally, we do not want to lose people or things we love. But is sorrow always presented negatively in Scripture? Consider what Paul said about godly sorry in the context of people who had turned away from sin.

“Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner… For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner…” (2 Corinthians 7:9-11 NKJV).

Fear 

We understand that there is a tormenting fear from hell. Paul said that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV), and John stated that “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18 NKJV). We absolutely do not want that type of fear.

At the same time, the Bible speaks of another kind of fear — a godly, reverential respect and awe toward God — what is often referred to as the fear of the Lord. Consider what the Bible says about positive elements relating to the fear of God:

  • The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever (Psalm 19:9 NKJV).
  • The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 110:10 NKJV).
  • The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7 NKJV).
  • The fear of the LORD is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13 NKJV).
  • The fear of the LORD prolongs days (Proverbs 10:27 NKJV).
  • In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence (Proverbs 14:26 NKJV).
  • The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27 NKJV).

Concluding Thought

A fire in the fireplace can be a great blessing. A fire that gets out of the fireplace — that gets out of its appropriate place and out of control — can bring great destruction. Likewise, there are spiritual “forces,” that if properly managed, can bring blessing. When we are governed by the Spirit of God, walk wisely and in maturity, and allow the love of God to dominate us, these can be a positive part of a vibrant Christian life. We are not bland, stoic robots, but were created to have a full range of emotions and motivations. But let’s make sure that we are always governed by the love of God and by the Spirit of God. Let’s make sure that “godly” is always in front of what we express in life and toward others.

A Quick Self-Test

  1. Is Godly Jealousy at work in your life in any way?
  2. Is Godly Anger at work in your life in any way?
  3. Is Godly Coveting (eager desire) at work in your life in any way?
  4. Is Godly Hate at work in your life in any way?
  5. Is Godly Sorrow at work in your life in any way?
  6. Is Godly Fear at work in your life in any way?