"The Other Fellow's Fire"

 

“The Other Fellow’s Fire”

 

Many years ago I read an article in Eternity magazine and I’ve borrowed the title for these thoughts. It was written by a man who told of sitting in a coffee shop about a block from his home when fire trucks sped past the café heading towards his house. He anxiously went out onto the sidewalk, saw the emergency vehicles go further down the street and said to himself, “Whew! They went by my house!” He then realized others weren’t as blessed as he was because their house was on fire. He then prayed for protection of the lives and property of those impacted.

On September 28 Hurricane Ian pummeled the Gulf Coast of Florida with high winds, torrential rain and in some places record storm surges. It then moved across the state, went out to sea and made another landfall in South Carolina, causing a second path of destruction through central Florida and both Carolinas. The news coverage was extensive before, during and after the storm with reports and pictures of wide-spread devastation. Along with estimates of damage (some as high as $75 billion) many lives were lost and others remain unaccounted for. It likely will rank as one of the worst storms ever to hit our nation as well as the fourth strongest ever to hit Florida.

Those of us who live in central Florida monitored Ian’s movement and prepared for the worst by moving grills, patio furniture, etc. inside, making sure emergency generators were in working order, gathering flashlights and candles, closing blinds to prevent glass from flying inside houses and (in our and many others’ cases) praying for protection. By God’s grace Karen and I had no wind or water damage and our electrical power was uninterrupted. Why did He spare us and not others? I have no idea. But because He did I believe I have a responsibility to those who were greatly affected. (See “In the Midst of the Storm” for more on this subject.)

Paul reminds us, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4). So while we must concern ourselves for our and our family’s needs (see 1 Timothy 5:8) we mustn’t neglect “the other fellow’s fire” (“Don’t think only of your own good. Think of {others} and what is best for them.”—1 Corinthians 10:24, NLT). Let’s look to God for His direction on how to put this command into practice and assist others in their times of struggle.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan