Playing With Fire

 

The end of winter in South Texas is always a dangerous time when it comes to brush fires. Dry, dead vegetation is the perfect fuel and wind associated with the change of the season can push a brush fire across many acres of land in short order. Most of these fires get started through the negligence of people and the resulting destruction of private property can prove to be extensive at times. Fire is a great tool but it’s not something to play with. The end result of such careless abuse can lead to forest fires, burned down homes and even death. Millions of dollars are spent annually educating children through school seminars and promoting safety over all sorts of media and the internet as to the dangers of playing with fire in the hope of curtailing such devastating destruction. There are rules that must be followed to keep fire under control. Most people understand the potential dangers of fire when used carelessly and respect it, using it only as authorized.

There is a different kind of fire people are always playing with that can result in the devastation of lives both physically and mentally. As a youngster I can remember hearing warnings from adults, “You’re playing with fire and someone’s going to get hurt!” That warning could cover a number of crazy things teens and young adults get tangled up in as they grow and discover the thrills of life. Thankfully, most of us survived our stupidity to enjoy a long life because we heeded the warnings of experienced elders. Many historians are presently warning some crazy leaders of this world to stop playing with fire in their conquests and manipulation of societies taking away their God given freedoms of family and ownership of worldly possessions. The push-back may become greater than this world has ever seen resulting in mutual destruction netting a zero victory all around. I pray not.

[Hebrews 12:25-29] I find it utterly amazing that the majority of the world understands the danger of playing with fire, but they fail to see the dangers of playing with God; the disrespectful and irreverent attitudes man has toward God and His Word. Doing that which is unauthorized by God is no different than playing with fire. Eventually, you’re going to get burnt – literally! The story of Nadab and Abihu illustrates this very fact. Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their sensers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So, fire came down from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord spoke of when He said, “Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all people, I will be honored.”’ Aaron remained silent (Leviticus 10:1-3 NIV). Specific instruction had been given by God in regard to one’s worship to Him (Leviticus 8:1-9:24). However, Nadab and Abihu, like many in the religious world today, substituted God’s will with their own. Aaron’s sons added the incense to the sensers fire making it unauthorized (Leviticus 16:11-13). The fire that was used in their worship was unauthorized and it ultimately led to their demise. There are many in the religious world today that see nothing wrong with using mechanical instruments, choirs, drama teams, etc. in their worship to God. But such acts are not authorized by God, and like the strange fire offered up by Nadab and Abihu, one who plays with fire will eventually get burnt (Revelation 22:18-19). God, through His Word, has given us specific instructions in all matters pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:2-4): thus, it behooves each of us to do that which he has specifically authorized.

Because there are those who dare play with fire many are going to get burnt. Because there are those who dare play with God - they will suffer eternally. Obey God and live.