– For our God is a consuming fire. – Hebrews 12:29
– Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God … and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. – Romans 13:2
During a recent trip to a nature preserve, we watched a video about its history. One scene showed lightning igniting one of the occasional natural fires within park perimeters. The commentator noted many grasses and plants have become resistant to these blazes over time. Almost everything appears to be consumed at first – totally burned up. However, nutrients stored in extensive root systems underground – soon bring forth new growths of the same kind, as before the fire.
There are many similarities between how plants grow in nature – and spiritually (John 15:1-6, for example). When we are “born again” of the Spirit (John 3:5) – it is a baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11). Our Father begins burning up all things such as anger, hatred, and unforgiveness – so fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) can start coming forth from the cleared soil in our hearts – once cluttered with the wrong plants. This doesn’t mean the bad plants are gone for good (Hebrews 12:15).
The gift of God has to be continually stirred up within us and kept ablaze (2 Timothy 1:6). Root systems in nature can spread far and wide and remain hidden from the naked eye – so can spiritual ones. Just when we may think the wrong plants – perhaps the cares and worries of this world (Mark 4:19, 1 Peter 5:7) have been burnt and consumed – their nutrients in the root systems of our hearts can start growing again … if the fire of the Spirit is allowed to die out (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
When the Holy Ghost is given – Christ comes to dwell in our hearts by faith. The power of God starts working within (Ephesians 3:16-20). We are not to resist this – for we are resisting God (second lead verse). If we do, we’re still stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears (Acts 7:51). If we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil – he will flee (James 4:7). If we stop resisting Satan’s devices – or stay ignorant of them – guess who’ll gain advantage again (2 Corinthians 2:11)?
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