Today, we were burning an area of weeds in our yard. Isaac was running around, so we wanted to make sure that he didn't get into the smoke or the flames. As we were preoccupied with him, I looked back to the fire and saw one of our cats. The stupid cat was warming herself up with the flames. She just stood right by them. I went over to get the dumb cat, and she jumped right into the flame that was warming her and screeched loudly. She didn't know what to do. So I gently nudged her (as gently as you would nudge anything in a flame) with my foot. Thankfully, nothing happened to her and she is fine.
Our cat, Joanie, likes to be warm. For instance, she sat right under the grill today as I was grilling our lunch. There's nothing wrong with liking to be warm; however, when you don't realize that some sources of warmth can start you on fire, it can become dangerous.
Our lives are often like Joanie's quest for warmth. We enjoy various forms of entertainment and hobbies. Most of them just provide enjoyment and pleasure, but sometimes we can get so wrapped up in them that they cross a line and become more than just entertainment; they become a detriment to our life in Christ.
It is up to us to be sensitive and discerning people. When God gives us a nudge trying to tell us that we shouldn't be entertaining ourselves in such a way, we need to listen. We need to beware of jumping further into the fire where we risk being permanently damaged. When we get that nudge, we need to stop doing what we're doing and get right with God.
"So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
Watch out for the potholes.
