Our Christmas Fire
I was reading this scripture a couple of days ago: “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:5) It refers to the damage that our tongues can cause when we think the words we speak are simply inconsequential. But not so if those words cut to the heart and cause major damage to the receiver of those words.
After reading that scripture, I remembered “a little fire that kindled” in one of our Christmases years ago. We were first-time homeowners after paying a whopping $7,500 for our little fixer-upper home that we turned into our “love nest”. Our children were ages three and one. My 22-year-old husband loved adding ambiance to the atmosphere with candlelight. This day, with the small, decorative kerosene lantern that he lit earlier, decided to light a nearby candle from the fire of the lantern, tipping it ever so slightly to light the candle. The candle was lit, but some of the kerosene poured out and a fire erupted. He dropped the lantern filled with kerosene and the fire blazed to our carpet. His quick thinking to stamp it out helped, but serious damage was done to our carpet. We had to find carpet to match and replace the huge scorched spot.
You can imagine my husband’s angst that he was so “stupid and careless” (his words, not mine). It was such a small candle and a small lantern, but given the right set-of-circumstances, it produced big problems. I remembered this “fire” story when I typed this blog yesterday as I read about the Mayfield, Kentucky business owner, Tony Propes’, who spoke out after devastating tornadoes hit his candle factory on Saturday night. His candle factory was operating “24/7” to meet Christmas demands before the tornadoes struck the area. 110 people worked the second shift that night, making candles for some of the largest brands. That tornado demolished the factory but most devastating was the loss of eight factory workers confirmed dead and others still missing on Sunday.
This candle factory was created for beauty and ambiance especially during the Christmas holidays. I’m sure no one ever thought that something so devastating could have ever happened. And, so it is with any natural storm or fires in our lives.
It is also tempting to think that words we speak are no really big deal – especially compared to those Kentucky storms, so we aren’t more careful. But, in all truthfulness, we have an enemy who is determined to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10) our lives. That’s why businesses intentionally adhere to safety standards, place placards everywhere to show how to leave a building in case of a fire. That’s why keeping guard of our words, setting up standards and precautions will keep us from setting our words ablaze.
Keeping an eye on the indicators that could set us up for a “fire” from our tongues is critically important in preventing hurt feelings and broken relationships. Trust me. This is the voice (rather, tongue) of experience sharing this. Keeping a fire extinguisher on hand is a good idea, but never having to use it is even better.
I’m reminded today that our words have power. The power to heal and the power to hurt. Words are no small thing. May we all be careful with our words — choosing blessing over cursing; helping over hurting; waiting rather than rushing the wrong words out into the world.
At this beautiful time of the year, there may be situations that create opportunities to “let ‘er rip” and get careless with our words even in innocent conversations and situations. May our words bring “Joy to the World” as the light of Christ shines in AND out of us!
Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”