Consuming Fire by Jason G. Lutz

Last week we gave Jaxson $20 for the school book fair.  I sent him with two clear instructions: 1. Buy at least one chapter book 2. Spend no more than $5 on posters and pens.  Well, he did buy one chapter book, but spent $13 on posters and pens.  At eight years old this is not really a big deal, but is it not an image of how we adults all treat the Commandments of God?

I hear Jesus lecturing us that simply loving one’s family only qualifies us to be tax collectors.  I hear our Lord rhetorically admonishing any who call Him “Lord Lord” yet do not do what He says.  Of course, we must not forget that He teaches us that gouging out our eyes is better than lust and that prison is the result of anger.

J.I. Packer wrote of the two pursuits of the Christian faith, understood as our responsibility in our Election, the pursuit of love and the pursuit of holiness.  Do everything in your power to seek the best for those around you regardless of who they are or what they have done to you.  Do everything in your power to separate yourself from the vanity and enticements of this world and put away lust, anger, covetousness, indulgence, neglecting of duty, and a self-centered worldview.

I sincerely hope that everyone reading this does not see someone else in these words but sees themselves.  Yes, I often set aside love thinking that a minimum of holy pursuit will get me a crown.  Yes, I often set aside a desire to be holy thinking that a man who loves his family deserves to enjoy something of the world.  Then Grace hits me and I must acknowledge that our God is a consuming fire.

May an all consuming Grace be with you,

Jason