The images on the television were stark! It is not unusual for Southern California to have what they call Santa Anna winds. Instead of westerly winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, they shift to easterly winds, blowing the high-desert heat and low humidity toward the coastal cities. Brush fires are not a surprise, and they can be challenging to subdue.

In 2024, Southern California’s firefighters faced the most devastating infernos they had ever experienced. Entire neighborhoods were completely destroyed. Homes and businesses were reduced to piles of ash and debris. The devastation was staggering.

Scripture tells us that a similar experience awaits the Christian. While Southern California residents all too often build their homes and lives in harm’s way, so too Christians can build their spiritual life with flammable materials. The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthian believers to be cautious on how they built their spiritual lives.

“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw — each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:11-15, ESV)

The apostle Paul also gives us an indication of where this takes place.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Now, before you panic, we need to understand the term “judgment seat of Christ.” The Greek word translated “judgement” is bema (Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words). The best picture I could give you would be the Olympic medal platform on which the first-, second-, and third-place winners stand. The bema is where you and I are evaluated on how we have run the race. Interestingly, Vine’s goes on to say, “There they will receive rewards for their faithfulness to the Lord. For all that has been contrary in their lives to His will suffer loss,” referring to our first passage above.

So, how do I fireproof my life? “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) The Holy Spirit will only lead us in the path God has laid out for us. I must have faith and trust His leading as being in my best interest. It requires me to make time to get into the Word of God and heed the Spirit of God. I need to remove all distractions and disruptions if that time is going to be beneficial.

As I look at the devastation of the Southern California wildfires, I don’t want that to be my situation when I appear before King Jesus. I’m going for the gold!

What say ye, Man of Valor?
Semper Fidelis!