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I swung my legs, wiggling and waiting for my favorite part of a memorable July 4.

Ten-year-old me sat on a wall at the edge of a bowl-shaped valley, awaiting a stunning fireworks show. I bounced my gaze between the blackened sky and the pyrotechnician’s booth. Suddenly, a million jewels exploded in the night sky, then ceased too quickly. Suddenly, I saw a frenzy of activity at the bottom of the hill. A firework had misfired into the brush, and the resulting fire lapped hungrily at the valley floor.

The techs promptly divided their forces. Half kept the show limping along while the others fought the flames. But the desert plants were dry, not fire resistant. So even after the fire department arrived, flames jumped from bush to bush, steadily climbing the hillside toward our feet.

People watching inside their houses remained captivated by the fireworks and blind to the fire. But it had our full attention. We created a simple fire break by pulling back our flammable yard décor and using the garden hose. Then we stood guard. We were the last line of defense.

Many are distracted by the fireworks while a fire burns on the perimeter. The world’s flashy things monopolize our energy and talents. And although we know the Bible sounds the alarm and calls us to action, we struggle to engage.

Yet the truth remains. We are the last line of defense. God calls believers to wake up, intervene, and warn people of the imminent danger. Not everyone can use the hose. Not everyone needs to make a fire break. But everyone is needed. Serve. Encourage. Teach. Comfort. Pray.

What are some ways you can engage the fire of evil?

(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)