The news in Texas continues to center on the wildfires raging through the state. The Texas Forest Service offered this information on their website Tuesday, Sept. 6:
Monday, Sept. 5, Texas Forest Service responded to 22 new fires for 7,544 acres, including 10 new large fires.
In the past 7 days, Texas Forest Service has responded to 181 fires for 118,413 acres.
It appears that, in the past 48 hours, more than 700 home have been destroyed.
251 of the 254 Texas counties are reporting burn bans.
It is very sad for so many people who have lost their homes, as well as much of their lives, and for those who are in the path of these fires. Some of these wildfires were started through events such as downed power lines, or power transformers exploding, but others were caused by rubbish fires, and at least one by welding. It is doubtful any of those burning their trash, or welding, had any idea what would happen due to these events. The unintended consequences of such, however, has now caused a lot of grief, heartache, and suffering on the part of others who are victims of these acts.
Sometimes we can be guilty of creating unintended consequences, in our own lives as well as the lives of others, through careless words and actions. James reminds us of the power of our words when he wrote, “So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6). If our speech isn’t under the conscious, controlling influence of the will of God, it can instead reflect sin and sinful attitudes. How many lives have been damaged or destroyed by harmful speech? Paul reminds us, “No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29).
Not only what we say, but what we do, if not given forethought and insight from the word of God, can have negative results in people’s lives. The words, “I didn’t mean anything by it,” are of little consolation after the damage is done, and it can take much effort and time to try and remedy what our influence may do to others. Jesus reminds us, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
On an opposite note, of what power for good can be a life be governed by the will of God! What words of encouragement can be said, and what positive examples can be set, that make a difference in people, not just for today, but for eternity. Proverbs tells us, “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray” (25:11). Paul reminded the Colossian Christians, “Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person” (Col. 4:5-6).
Remember in prayer all those who have lost so much due to these wildfires, as well as those who may wind up in harm’s way. But also remember the spiritual lessons to be learned, and give thought to your words and deeds, that no unforeseen consequence comes that can wreak havoc in another’s life. Give serious thought to how you live before others, and seek what is best. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write: The dead who die in the Lord from now on are blessed.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘let them rest from their labors, for their works follow them’” (Rev. 14:13).
Robert
