COMIC: A Believer's Flame

Analogies are seldom perfect, and this one is no exception, so, before any of us start making this a biblical analogy, let's clear a few things up:

The "flames" in this comic do not represent salvation, although it seems like it. What I'm trying to convey, to the best of my ability, is that the flames are a representation of a Christian's will to continue to serve God to the best of their abilities. In another sense, it's the will to "keep going".

It continues to be my persuasion that Christians' salvation will never be affected by performance. So what does it mean when a candle goes out? It is when a Christian gives up. From my many interactions with online Christians, it just seems like so many are barely hanging on. Not that they are giving up their faith in God, but that they just can't take the suffering anymore. They believe in God, but they are at their wit's end in serving Him. Not that they don't want to, but they are getting to that point where they don't have the strength anymore.

I still long to see the day when I get to witness the effects of true discipleship. You know, like the early Christians? Where zeal for God spreads like a wildfire from person to person? Where I get to witness someone whom I've discipled go disciple someone else? I do not doubt that that is a reality today by God's grace, but it does seem like the current season is one where I do my best to use whatever little flame I have to help other candles that are on the verge of extinguishing.

How can this be? Why are there members of the Body of Christ who are so sick, neglected, and near the verge of losing hope? Where is the victory? Where is the glory? Where is the evidence of the unstoppable march of God's Word and kingdom?

I have never liked to admit this, but Christians give up. And I mean they give up on life, by putting a stop to it themselves. It happens. And I am terrified of that reality. I am also confused as to how anyone could do such a thing. Yet I fully understand how someone can be pushed to such a conclusion. I have no idea if someone I am in contact with is feeling this way, but how can I be sure?

So, what is the solution? It seems like I am still testing the validity of it myself, but I have witnessed it work, and although my innermost experience cannot bear witness, the witness of the Scriptures is more than enough.

Christians need to stick together. We need to attend to one another. We need to learn a genuine love for one another, one that is not born out of simple obligation or outward performance, but a deep love for one another for Christ's sake. We need to learn how to bear one another's burdens. Just one person practicing this will not do, it needs to be everyone, as with all biblical ethics regarding interpersonal relationships, it always takes all parties to make things work perfectly. We need to encourage one another with the things of the Lord instead of shallow fellowship where we refuse to address tough things and only stay on the surface where we can just cruise along.

We need to seek out God's flame. We need to be fed by the living Word of God. We cannot approach the Bible as an obligation. We should approach it like a child approaching his mother after a hard day at school. The Bible feeds us, the Word of God comforts us, and God's Word made flesh gives us salvation. We must do the same with prayer. Are you talking to God out of obligation? Or are you communicating with Him, giving Him genuine thanks, and casting your burdens on Him?

Honestly, in times of Spiritual dryness and suffering, these things feel like they do not help. And that's okay, you don't need to feel guilty about it, God understands. But we must remember that our feelings and emotions, although important and should not be ignored, will never hold greater authority over our lives than God's Word. That's just how things are. Will you trust Him? Will you obey His commands to love your fellow brothers and sisters? Will you draw near to the Son of God to rekindle your flame?

The consequences are dire. The benefits are amazing.