I absolutely love the fog.

There's something mysterious about how it settles over a town, up and down every street. It effectively veils everything but the objects in our most immediate proximity, yet we are able to breathe it in and out. You can feel the difference when you walk through it, but no amount of waving your hands will blow it away. It is there, but it won't hinder your travels through it, ......unless you are driving a car, then by all means please adapt how you drive in the fog...

The Fog of Life

Today is an incredibly foggy day in Enniscorthy, Ireland. And though I love the fog, I cannot help but compare it to how I can sometimes read the Bible, or listen to a sermon. I can hear all of these inspiring words, I can be touched by the Holy Spirit's voice, I can be astounded by the truth on a page, yet I have difficulty seeing how to live it out. I cannot see through the fog of life how to put my following of Christ into daily practice. It can be so easy to walk through life, knowing that Christ's mission is to change the world, yet be completely unaware of how to define clear and specific ways to live this out. Maybe I'm just weird in noticing this, but I'm willing to bet I'm not the only one who has experienced this.

A Gathering of Fire

Sometimes the best thing to do is get out of the fog and light a fire.

About a month ago we started two lifegroups at Alive Church, one for youth and one for the adults. Using Acts 2:42-47 as a biblical framework, we have dedicated about an hour each week to gather together on Wednesday nights, living out what we read in the Bible and what we hear in the sermons on Sunday. Last night we were even discussing how we are each learning how to daily fan into flame the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6) instead of relying only on a pastor every week. That is how I picture our gatherings. We each are bringing the lives entrusted to us by God, like coals burning bright. But God created us so that and by burning in close proximity with each other, we actually begin to radiate more heat. This has given us the incredible opportunity to witness growth in our church through prayer, worship, encouragement, accountability, discussion, and practical steps to live out each week.

The Challenge

So here's my challenge to you. Find a community of believers who run after God with everything and attach yourself to that group. Find those who are farther in their faith than you and watch closely how they live, then set yourself as an example for those who are learning from you. Become loyal to a church that is on fire, and bring yourself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) to burn brightly with them for God Himself.