Fan it into Flame

            I distinctly remember my mom’s voice echoing through the cabin walls, “Everyone get outside!”  Grabbing my book, I jumped off the top bunk and ran towards the sound of her panic.  Through the kitchen and out the back door, my heart knocked my ribs with fear and my nostrils filled with the smell of smoke.  In front of me raged a fire, climbing up and dancing across the skeletal pine trees surrounding the cabin.  I watched as my family frantically doused the blaze with buckets of water, trying to control it.   Even at ten years old I knew the fire was serious and could easily destroy our beloved cottage with its furious flames.

            Fire is one of the most powerful elements on the planet.  Just one small spark can set a forest to flames.  I believe this power is what Paul speaks of when he encourages his young friend Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” (2 Timothy 1:6).  What Paul is describing is not a small, controlled campfire flame, safe for roasting marshmallows over.  I believe he is describing a crazy-wild bonfire flame, burning with passion and purpose for God!

            But what is this gift we are to fan into flame?  Timothy, like each of us, was created in the image of God- a piece of God was placed inside of him.  One could even speculate that part of the “gift of God” Paul wanted Timothy to fan into flame was the gift of creativity.  Because God is creator of the universe and His image is inside of us, we all possess the gift of creativity in some form or another.  It is like a ‘spark’ placed inside of us at the moment of our conception.  The question is, how do we fan that spark into a flame and keep it burning brightly for God?  How do we ignite our creativity so that it turns into a wildfire for the world to see?

There are three things a fire needs to burn: heat, fuel and air.   Without heat a fire cannot begin, without fuel it cannot grow and without air it cannot be sustained.  In order for us to fan our creativity into flame we need three things as well: God’s image (the spark), God’s word (the fuel) and God’s Spirit (the air).

The Spark: God’s Image

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

We all have the spark of God’s image inside us.  God made humans in His image and He is by nature, creative.  He is the Creator!  Because of this, creativity is part of God’s image which is woven into the fabric of who we are.  Whether its painting, drawing, crafting, building, speaking or writing, the spark of creativity is not something we can attain by effort.  Rather it is something that has been given to us. However the spark of creativity cannot fan itself into flame.  We need something more if the spark is to grow and become a powerful and effective fire, burning for God.

The Fuel: God’s Word

“For the word of God is living and active...”Hebrews 4:12

If we are to see the spark of creativity come alive in us, we need to get to know our Creator, through His living word.  When I meet someone who possesses a quality I desire, I want to spend time with that person.  I want to know them more so I can understand that quality, and perhaps learn how to emulate it.  The same is true with God.  He possesses all the creativity we could ever want and if we want to be more creative, we need to know Him more.  What better way to do that than to study His word?  The bible is full of stories and truths that help us know and understand God better.  If we take time to read, meditate upon, and live out God’s living word, the spark of creativity will grow in our lives.  God also speaks directly to us, inspiring us with creative ideas and ways to turn those ideas into a reality.  Who better to give you and idea for a business or a piece of art than the Creator of the universe and the one who sees both present and future?

The Air: God’s Spirit

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6

All of our creativity is a waste without God’s Spirit breathing life into our creations.  When I write, I don’t want to write with human words and express human ideas.  I want my work to be filled with the power of the Spirit so that it will actually have an eternal impact on those who read it.  We were created to help bring God’s kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven.  However, this is impossible without the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us.  It is not our brilliant creativity that will change lives, but the power of the Holy Spirit.  Maybe you have an amazing idea for a book or a great business plan, but if the Holy Spirit isn’t sustaining your plans, what lasting impact can it have?

Do you want to use your creativity as a powerful force for the kingdom of God?  Do you want to see that spark turn into a fire burning brightly and wildly for Him?  Then recognize the spark He’s placed in you and fan it into flame with the fuel of His word and the air of His Spirit.

Learning to say "No"

The first word many children learn to say is "no".  When a parent hears this word I imagine they feel somewhat discouraged or disappointed.  It could have been "dada", "mama" or even "yes".  But "no" is actually a very important word.  Perhaps the first word children learn, is the first word many adults forget.

Why do we feel the pressure, even from infancy, to always say "yes"?  Why are we taught that saying "no" is bad and saying "yes" is good?  Why does the church - the body of Christ - push us to be "Yes-Men/Women"?  Is this really all that God wants from us?

I realize this is difficult topic because it addresses the difference between "obedience and sacrifice", two very similar ideas.  Before I go any further, let's start at our foundation - the word of God.
I Samuel 15:22 "But Samuel replied: Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."  (emphasis mine)

Here is a thought: The right action, at the wrong time and for the wrong reason, is the wrong action.  That is the difference between obedience and sacrifice.  In the story from which this verse was taken, Saul - King of Israel - told Samuel the reason he and his men kept some of the plunder from battle, was to give to God as a burnt offering.  That in and of itself, was a good thing.  However, in doing this, Saul disobeyed God's first command, which was to destroy everyone and everything.  How does this relate?

Saul said "yes" (to keeping sheep and livestock for an offering to God) when he should have said "no".   Even though giving a burnt offering was a "good thing", the reason he did it was wrong.  His motivation was selfish and his heart was rebellious to the Lord.  In fact, right before this conversation with Samuel, Saul had just finished building a monument to honor himself, instead of God!

How often do we do the right thing for the wrong reason?  Do you ever say yes to impress others and honor yourself, instead of God?  There is a difference between obedience (saying yes to God's voice and commands) and sacrifice (saying yes to what you/others deem to be "right" or "good" things).  Sometimes it is better to say no.


I believe learning to say no is a skill that God values.  There was a time in my life when I didn't know how to say no.  Every time I was asked to be involved, help out or volunteer I said yes.  I felt I was a good person and a good Christian because of this.  Until I realized that in saying yes to doing all this stuff, I had actually said no to being with God.

Is your "yes" to good deeds, inadvertently saying "no" to intimacy with God?