Lessons from Forest Fires
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
Posted September 17, 2009
 Again
this year, fire has ravaged thousands of acres in California, destroying
homes and property in its wake.
Four years ago as my wife and I were traveling home from southern Oregon,
her cell phone rang. Her mother's message was brief but dramatic, "We've
just been evacuated!"
A forest fire was raging in a state park less than two miles from where
we live—a scenic, forested area of Central Oregon. So we understand
and live with the ever-present danger of forest fires.
More than twenty miles away, we were sobered by the sight of a huge
tower of smoke billowing up thousands of feet into the atmosphere, looking
every bit like the mushroom cloud of an atomic bomb. It seemed obvious
that our home and property were doomed to perish in flames, along with
all of our possessions—except for what we had with us.
A time to take stock
Since we had spent the previous night in a motel, we had a few extra
clothes in addition to the ones we were wearing and the car that we
were driving. But as we pondered our situation, it dawned on us that
what mattered most was that we had each other, that everything else
is just "stuff" and that God would take care of us.
Miraculously, the wind shifted and the fire which had come within a
mile of our home was directed away from our residential area. We were
spared from what seemed to be certain loss of our home and nearly all
of our possessions.
But we have never forgotten the lesson that the stark reality of impending
disaster carved deep into the core of our minds and hearts. What counts
the most is our relationships (with God and each other), not the material
things that can so easily become the focus of our lives.
We all enjoy the material possessions that make life more comfortable
and enjoyable. But they are temporary and should not be our main focus.
Biblical advice
The apostle Paul writes that we should, "not look at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things
which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are
eternal" (2
Corinthians 4:18).
Jesus says, "Life is not measured by how much you own" (Luke
12:15, New Living Translation).
He also admonishes, "Don't store up treasures here on earth,
where moths eat them and rust [or fire] destroys them, and where thieves
break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and
rust [and fire] cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also
be" (Matthew 6:19-20, NLT).
Tests by fire
Tragedies such as devastating fires test and often strengthen our faith. "These
trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire
tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious
than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials,
it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus
Christ is revealed to the whole world" (1 Peter 1:7, NLT).
Ultimately, everyone will be tested!
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (New International Version), "his
work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to
light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality
of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his
reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be
saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."
The time is coming when all physical matter will be destroyed, when "… the
heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt
with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will
be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).
So Peter concludes, "Therefore, since all these things will be
dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and
godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because
of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements
will melt with fervent heat?" (Verses 11-12).
What are your priorities?
Each of us needs to ask ourselves: "Do I really understand God's
plan for me?"
  For
an excellent overview of that plan, I recommend two of booklets that
thoroughly explain God's priorities. You will learn truths long
overlooked by mainstream Christianity. Request or download your free
copies of: God's
Holy Day Plan and What
Is Your Destiny?
Related Resources
God's
Vision for You!
In God's master plan everyone is created with many things in common. Yet each
is distinct from any other human being.
What's
My Purpose Here?
There must be some meaning to humanity's mixture of awesome abilities
and awful atrocities. What is the ultimate purpose and meaning of your
life?
Does
Life Have Greater Meaning and Purpose?
It is a paradox of our modern age that, although we have more knowledge and
material possessions than at any other time in history, we sense a lack of purpose
in life. A gnawing hunger for the meaning of life pervades our world.
God's
Festivals: Keys to Humanity's Future
Humanity has been deprived of the keys that unlock a comprehensive understanding
of God's plan and purpose for humankind. God reveals His splendid plan in the
prophecies and teachings of the Scriptures. In this lesson you will see how
God has provided us with the keys to unlock His plan through His sacred festivals.
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