The Fire Within: Embracing the Spirit of Burning

In our walk with God, there's a profound difference between casual Christianity and a faith that burns with passion. The Bible speaks of a "spirit of burning" - a divine fire that ignites our hearts and propels us forward in our spiritual journey. This isn't just about having a passion for Jesus, but embodying the very passion of Jesus Himself.

John the Baptist, described as a "burning and shining lamp," understood this concept well. He spoke of One who would come after him, saying, "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." This fire isn't just a momentary spark of enthusiasm, but a sustained blaze that transforms us from the inside out.

Matthew 11:12 tells us, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force." At first glance, this verse might seem jarring. However, it's not speaking of physical violence, but rather a spiritual intensity. The kingdom of God is "forcibly entered," and those who are passionate "seize it for themselves."

This paints a picture far removed from a passive, "if it's God's will" mentality. The things of God are not casually apprehended - they are taken with fervor and determination. We're called to "take the kingdom" - to actively pursue and claim the promises of God in our lives.
But how do we cultivate this spirit of burning? How do we maintain a fire that doesn't fizzle out after a few weeks or months? The answer lies in understanding the nature of God's promises and our role in receiving them.

2 Peter 1:3 reveals a profound truth: "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." The key word here is "seeing." It takes spiritual eyes to perceive what God has already provided. We're not waiting for God to act - He's already given us everything we need. Our task is to align our perception with this reality.

This alignment comes through knowledge - not just intellectual understanding, but a deep, experiential knowing of God. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we begin to see and access the resources He's already provided.

But how do we gain this knowledge? Romans 10:17 provides a crucial insight: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Our ability to "hear" God, to perceive spiritual realities, is directly tied to our engagement with His Word. The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more our spiritual hearing is refined.

This principle operates independently of our immediate understanding. Even when we struggle to comprehend what we're reading, the very act of engaging with God's Word is developing our spiritual senses. It's not about intellectually grasping every concept before we can benefit - it's about faithfully exposing ourselves to the living Word, trusting that it's working in us even when we don't fully understand.

Psalm 107:20 beautifully illustrates this concept: "He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." God's Word is not merely information - it's a powerful, active force. Jesus Himself is described as the living Word, the embodiment of God's declaration to humanity.

This understanding should revolutionize our approach to Scripture. It's not just a book of rules or historical accounts - it's a living, breathing conduit of God's power and presence. When we engage with the Bible, we're not just reading - we're interacting with the very essence of God Himself.

The process, then, looks like this: The Word of God cultivates our ability to hear spiritually. This hearing produces faith. And faith, in turn, enables us to see - to perceive and lay hold of the spiritual realities God has already established.

This cycle - Word, hearing, faith, seeing - is the engine that drives a vibrant, passionate Christianity. It's what sustains the spirit of burning within us, keeping us from falling into casual or complacent faith.

But this isn't just about personal spiritual growth. The spirit of burning compels us outward as well. It creates in us a holy discontent with the status quo, a burning desire to see God's kingdom manifest in the world around us. It might prompt us to pray for a stranger in a grocery store, to speak words of hope to a struggling colleague, or to stand firm in faith when facing our own challenges.

The spirit of burning doesn't let us settle for less than God's best - for ourselves or for others. It pushes us to "take the kingdom by force," to actively claim and live out the fullness of what God has promised.

As we cultivate this fire within, we become living declarations of God's truth and power. Like Jesus, the living Word, we begin to embody God's message to the world around us. Our lives become a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

So how do we fan this flame? How do we nurture the spirit of burning in our lives?

1. Immerse yourself in God's Word. Make Scripture reading and meditation a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
2. Cultivate spiritual hearing. Practice listening for God's voice, not just in dramatic moments, but in the quiet whispers of everyday life.
3. Exercise your faith. Look for opportunities to put your trust in God, even (and especially) when it feels challenging.
4. Train your spiritual eyes. Practice seeing situations from God's perspective, looking beyond the natural to perceive spiritual realities.
5. Embrace holy discontent. Don't settle for less than what God has promised. Let the gap between current reality and God's promises fuel your passion and drive you to action.
6. Community and accountability. Surround yourself with others who share this burning passion for God. Iron sharpens iron, and the fire within us can be stoked by the passion of those around us.

As we embrace this spirit of burning, we'll find ourselves transformed. No longer content with casual Christianity, we'll become dynamic, passionate followers of Christ, actively engaged in seeing His kingdom come "on earth as it is in heaven."

May we all be ignited with this holy fire, burning brightly for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.