Keep Your Spiritual Fire Burning

Is your spiritual fire slowly dying out? Not through dramatic backsliding, but through subtle neglect? The uncomfortable truth is that many Christians today find their once-blazing passion for God reduced to smoldering embers.

The Sacred Fire That Must Not Die

In Leviticus 6:9-13, God gave specific instructions about the altar fire in the tabernacle: "The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out." This wasn't just about maintaining literal flames - it represents a profound spiritual principle for believers today.

Just as the priests had to tend the altar fire daily, removing old ashes and adding fresh wood, your spiritual fire requires constant attention. Many Christians experience powerful salvation moments or revival experiences, but then allow those flames to gradually diminish through neglect.

Why Does Our Fire Grow Cold?

The challenge isn't that serving God is difficult - it's that we try to maintain our relationship with Him on our own terms. When believers struggle spiritually, it's often because they're:

• Holding onto "old ashes" of past experiences instead of seeking fresh encounters with God

• Trying to blend worldly practices with spiritual living

• Neglecting daily spiritual maintenance

• Allowing circumstances and trials to overshadow their commitment

  
  

The Danger of Dying Embers

A sobering truth emerges from this teaching: salvation should make life easier, not harder. If your Christian walk feels increasingly burdensome, it may indicate you're trying to maintain old patterns while walking with God. You cannot effectively mix the old life with the new.

Consider a wood-burning cabin in winter. The residents understand that letting the fire go out isn't an option - they'll brave any conditions to keep it burning because their survival depends on it. Similarly, your spiritual survival requires maintaining that sacred flame God ignited in your heart.

Practical Steps to Maintain Your Fire

1. Remove the Old Ashes

   1. Don't rely solely on past spiritual experiences

   2. Clear away anything smothering your current relationship with God

   3. Make room for fresh moves of the Spirit

2. Add Fresh Fuel Daily

   1. Establish consistent prayer and worship times

   2. Feed your spirit with God's Word

   3. Create space for new encounters with God

3. Guard Against Extinction

   1. Address small compromises before they become major issues

   2. Don't let circumstances dictate your spiritual temperature

   3. Remember what's at stake if your fire goes out

      
      

The Personal Nature of Fire-Keeping

Your spiritual fire is your responsibility. While corporate worship and fellowship can fan the flames, no one else can maintain your personal relationship with God. The priests had to tend the altar fire regardless of weather, circumstances, or personal feelings - and so must you.

A Call to Action

The question isn't whether you once had a powerful encounter with God - it's whether your fire is burning brightly today. If you sense your spiritual flame flickering:

1. Examine what's smothering your fire

2. Remove anything hindering fresh encounters with God

3. Recommit to daily spiritual disciplines

4. Take immediate action to reignite your passion

   
   

Remember: "The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out" (Leviticus 6:13). This isn't just an Old Testament instruction - it's a vital principle for maintaining your walk with God today.

Don't wait until your fire is completely extinguished. The time to tend your spiritual flame is now. What step will you take today to ensure your fire keeps burning?