OnFire Encouragement Letter
OnFire #311 Testing the Ice
Hi Folks:
We’ve started a kitchen renovation. We’ll put in new floor,
cabinets, sinks, upgrade the wiring, build in the dishwasher, etc. It is
exciting to finally be able to do this. We’ve replaced the roof and redid the
bathroom. Now the kitchen. I’ve already thought of some lessons for OnFire. You’ll
probably hear more about this. We hope to finish by the end of next week, with
the help of friends.
Ian’s forestry and wildlife class did the aerial moose
survey in Fundy Park last week. In addition, they set up wildlife cameras at
predator bait stations. Here is a link to the CBC article http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/ID/2439113235/
I’ve got a head cold, but I’m still moving forward.
Blessings for your week.
Troy
Not long ago, I was standing on the ice of a frozen lake, amazed
at how clear it was, and how thick. Weather had been cold for a while and the
ice had built up. Kneeling down, I could see frozen air bubbles going down for
quite a distance. I’d hate to try to guess how thick it was, but I’m confident it
was well over a foot thick, judging by how far down into the blackness I could
see frozen bubbles.
In that case the ice had no snow on it, and it was very
clear, so it was easy to judge. Over Christmas I was snowshoeing with a man
from our church and we hiked down a brook to return to his truck. Recent snow had covered the ice in drifts,
making it hard to judge, but since the brook didn’t have a lot of water, there
was little risk.
I was the first to go through. A drift covered a faster
moving section and my snowshoe plunged into the water. I recovered and we went on, but about 15
minutes later my friend put a snowshoe through at a different spot. Again, no harm done. If there had been more
at risk, we would not have travelled on that ice. Indeed, there were some sections we felt were
not strong so we left the brook to climb through the branches on land because
we could tell the ice was bad.
Ice takes a long time to form, under proper conditions. Even
then, we have to ask, “strong enough for what?” Just because it is strong at
one spot, does not mean it is strong everywhere since unseen currents may
prevent solid freezing. Since looks may
be deceiving, we always want to test it before relying on it, and look for
signs of areas which need careful attention.
It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to see the parallels
with character. Solid character doesn’t just happen. It takes time and proper
conditions to develop. Yet, we are
impatient, we want a short cut. We don’t always want to put in the tough work
of prayer, scripture reading, and reflection. We resist the uncomfortable
conviction of the Holy Spirit illuminating areas which need attention.
Just as ice forms under uncomfortable conditions,
difficulties can shape and form our character.
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans
5:3-4)
And then we need to ask, strong enough for what? Just as
there is a difference between walking on ice and trusting our brand new pickup
to it, we need to understand our own limits. Our desires and ambitions often lead
us to overlook or minimize weakness, ours or someone else’s. But we ignore them
to our peril.
We resist testing and accountability. But then we’re
surprised when a leader falls dramatically because of unseen undercurrents.
The ice made me think about my own character. I want to be solid,
solid in my beliefs, actions and thoughts. Some important scripture comes to
mind.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted
with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest
with much.” (Luke 16:10)
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow
believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
(James 3:1)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you
face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith
produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
I hope this helps us as we judge our own character and the
character of others. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a letter on faith and character written by Troy
Dennis. This letter published Feb 24, 2014. Troy is the Pastor of Next
Generations and Connections at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton NB Canada.
*New International Version, 1984. To subscribe or reply, email
onfireletter@gmail.com.
