I am not sure why The analogy of fire has come up so much  for me lately.  First it was things I learned while around the campfire and just last week Pastor Patrick mentioned fire in his sermon.  “ Fire is both inviting and terrifying simultaneously” I was intrigued by this statement and then the Holy Spirit began to show me an analogy of how Holy Spirit fire can be both inviting and terrifying simultaneously.

Fire can be very inviting.  A campfire burning on a crisp fall night draws us in to its warmth and potential for some marshmallow roasting delight.  As we move closer to the fire and hold our roasting stick over it’s hot coals we are quickly reminded of the danger of potential burns if our skin is to close to the flames.  One of the most inviting locations to read a book while sipping a hot cup of cocoa is next to the fireplace; yet a clogged or closed flume could fill the room with unwanted smoke endangering our serenity.  Fire is both inviting and terrifying simultaneously.

I think it is the same way with Holy Spirit fire.  It can be alluring and enticing to be filled with Holy Spirit fire!  It can fill you with so much excitement and energy. It gives you the strength you need to walk in confidence in whose you are and fuels your ability to fulfill your purpose.  When you are close to it, warmed by it, you feel safe and secure.  When the  winter seasons of your life arrive, Holy Spirit fire keeps us warm and shelters us from the bitterness of the storm.  It’s flame is eternal and the light it exudes brightens any darkness that tries to ooze it’s way in to our lives.  Holy Spirit Fire entices us with the light and warmth of God’s truth.  So why wouldn’t we want to be near this fire always and forever?  Why would we walk away from its warmth and protection?

This is where the “fire is inviting and terrifying simultaneously” plays into it.  As inviting and alluring as Holy Spirit fire is it is simultaneously terrifying.  It requires us to surrender everything we know, understand and comprehend within our own mental ability.  It illuminates the dark with truth which is not always something easy or pleasant to face.  It sets us apart and can alienate us from the crowd.  When you are basking in the warmth of Holy Spirit Fire you cannot remain the same.  The comfort of familiarity will be melted away.  This is the reason so many of us poke around the fire but walk away when the heat becomes too much to handle.

Another defining factor of being around the fire is the aroma you carry with you.  You cannot deny having been around the fire.  The smoke from the fire always penetrates your clothes and hair.  A shower becomes a necessity unless you want the Smokey smell to encompass everything you encounter.  The clothes when taken out of the hamper to be washed will be another reminder of your time around the fire.  The same is true with Holy Spirit fire.  There is an aroma of distinction that comes from your time with Holy Spirit fire.  This “aroma” is more of an alluring difference that others will see in you that cannot be explained specifically but is distinct and noticeable like an aroma.  There will be no denying that you have been around the Holy Spirit fire the aroma of His presence will follow you wherever you go.

What an intriguing and frightening concept this Holy Spirit fire is.  It is a spiritual battlefield between the desire to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit residing in you and conform to the “normalcy” as defined by the world.  There is fire to be found in both scenarios.  The only difference is one is a light unto truth, freedom and eternity and the other is a flame that will entice you into a false sense of security and happiness that will leave you with an unquenchable thirst.

” I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable  fire”  Matthew 3:11-12