You’re probably aware of the tragic fires raging in the state of California these past weeks. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those affected.

Like many things in life, fire can be both a blessing and a curse.

Fire ablaze in the fireplace is a good thing.

Fire blazing through the forest or a neighborhood is a bad thing.

When what’s meant for good turns bad, the consequences can be devastating.

This is true in so many areas of life.

Time used intentionally makes a difference… Time used carelessly is a waste.

• Sex within marriage is beautiful… Sex outside of marriage is destructive.
• Money directed by wisdom builds wealth… Money driven by greed is the root of all evil.
• Hunger and appetite keep us alive… Unhealthy hunger and appetite can kill us.
• Words spoken with care and kindness may never be forgotten… Words spoken in carelessness and anger may never heal.

I love how Proverbs 25:11 puts it, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

The right things spoken at the right time and in the right way can bring life and beauty into someone else’s world…

But our words also hold the power to kill and to destroy.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Take a moment to think about all the good things God’s given to you in your life.

Are you using them for good in your home, your marriage, and your relationships? Or are any of them being abused and wreaking havoc in the lives of those around you?

When it comes to your time, your words, your money, or any of the good gifts you’ve been given for the benefit of the people you love, are they in their proper place?

Keep the fire in the fireplace this week.

Use, but don’t abuse, your gifts.

Build up. Don’t tear down.

Praise. Don’t criticize.

Invest. Don’t waste.

Sadly, the devastation and destruction from a fire out of its proper place can leave damage that takes years to rebuild, and sometimes even a lifetime.

The same can be true in a home.

Unfortunately, when it comes to our family, we don’t get a second chance. Our home is one thing we can’t afford to get wrong.

This week, may your gifts be kept in their proper place…

• May your words speak life.
• May your money reveal your true treasure.
• May your time touch eternity.

How can you be intentional in your home to keep the fire in the fireplace this week?

Andrew Linder is a husband, the father of four awesome kids, and a children’s pastor at a thriving church. He is the founder of GodlyParent.com and is passionate about intentional parenting and helping other parents and leaders effectively reach the next generation. He is also the author of the new book, Godly Parenting In An Ungodly World: How to raise not just good but godly kids through heart-driven grace-based parenting.

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