PLAYING WITH FIRE

     "Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be
burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?"
(Proverbs 6:27, 28). These are the words from wise King Solomon, a
man experienced with life. Solomon prayed for wisdom to guide the
nation and his prayer was answered. He led the nation, but he was
unable to direct his own life. His life was one of the rich and
famous. He cultivated too many appetites, and played with fire too
often.
     Children playing with matches seldom intend to burn down the
family home. They don't want to lose their toys and security; nor do
they desire to cause their parents years of work and worry. But,
they carelessly play with matches and sometimes pay the price of
carelessness.
     Entertainers perform with twirling batons; fire on each end,
avoiding skin and clothing contact. Circus people do the same. Even
they expect that sooner or later they will receive burns. But, they
are willing to take the risk in order to thrill an audience.
     Playing with fire -- is taking the first drink or using the
first drugs -- knowing the danger but doing it anyway. (Galatians
5:19-21).
     Playing with fire -- is saying that my romantic ideas and
roving hands will allow me to "stop in time." Be careful young
people!
     Playing with fire -- is leaning over the canyon wall to see how
far you can go without falling -- and breaking your collar bone.
     Ask those who have been burned -- physically or otherwise. It
is much wiser to avoid the burn rather than live with the pain, the
scars and the disfiguration left from the burn. It isn't necessary
to be as wise as Solomon to figure that out. One cannot play with
sin and not suffer dreadful consequences.
     ---Jack Thompson,  preacher for the White Park church of Christ
                          (From an article by Joe Fitch)

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