Wildfire in a Windstorm

“Without the Word, without the Holy Spirit and without practice – we won’t be able to prevent fires. We’ll be like wildfire in a windstorm – out of control, hopeless and destroying everything in our path.”

 “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6 (NIV)

Have you ever gossiped or said something very hurtful to someone you love out of anger, pride or frustration? I have and, wow, do I feel really terrible afterwards. In James 3 we’re told that our words can do terrible damage, just like fire. 

God could have used any analogy to compare our words to and He chose fire. When I look at the characteristics of fire, they so easily relate to the devastation that happens when harsh words are spoken and a relationship is damaged. 

Fire spreads quickly and leaves damage that often can't be repaired.

Fire causes buildings to collapse – just like relationships.

Even when a fire is burnt out there is a stage called “decay”. This is the longest stage of a fire – it can smolder for many weeks and sustain a high heat level.  

Do these characteristics remind you of what happens when you’re careless with your words? All stages of fire, from the beginning to end, are harmful, threatening and dangerous but we have been warned to avoid it! 

How do we avoid these fires? 

The Word of God. 

The Holy Spirit.

Practice, Practice, Practice.

Moms, dive into your Bible and immerse yourself in God’s word. I once heard someone say that our words reflect our heart, and I couldn’t agree more. Without the Word, without the Holy Spirit and without practice – we won’t be able to prevent fires. We’ll be like wildfire in a windstorm – out of control, hopeless and destroying everything in our path.

Action Step: 

• Pray: Heavenly Father, I am careless with my words to too many people who I love. Please help me, strengthen me and open my eyes to what Your heart looks like. I want my heart, words and actions to reflect You and You only. Thank You for your never-ending grace. Amen. 

Written by Rachel, mom of 2