It Only Takes a Spark

“I’ve got to get off the phone…the ranch is on fire…” were the words my husband spoke to me before the line went dead on an otherwise normal afternoon when I called to let him know I was on my way home from work. 

He managed a wildlife ranch, and we lived on the property. I had no idea the magnitude of the blaze until I arrived at the county road that led to our home only to find it blocked by law enforcement vehicles. I explained my situation. After much finagling, they let me pass. Smoke rolled through the sky transforming the sunny day to ashen clouds. 

My husband feverishly worked with multiple fire departments to stave off the ravenous flames while I prepared to leave unsure of whether I’d return to our home or a smoldering heap of what once was. 

In an instant, the wind shifted direction. The flames, as if unsatisfied with their current grazing, headed for fresh pastures. Miraculously, all structures were spared from its fury. 

The origin of this fire was a prescribed burn on a neighboring property. According to reports, a rat found himself consumed with flame. He zipped across the culvert in search of shelter while acting as a literal torch to each piece of parched grass he touched. 

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James 3:5 (NIV)

Our words can be like the little rat flinging fire sparks. 

While penning this, my husband broached a topic of conversation we’ve been on the fence about for a while. My immediate reaction was a spark flinging menagerie of questions, most of which weren’t positive, ending with ashen clouds hovering over his heart. 

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:9 (NIV)

I apologized for the wildfire I fueled in his heart. The flames were gone. But the coals lingered. Words can’t be unspoken. They are forever upon the ears of the one whom they were cast.

I needed to listen. And I needed to be slow to speak. But I can’t do that on my own. I need the Holy Spirit’s power within me to quench the flame before it leaves my mouth. 

May we be cautious with our words and hold fast to the remembrance that it only takes a spark, one misspoken word, to start a blaze. 

Father, Help me to choose my words honorably and be slow to speak. Infiltrate my thoughts. Your ways are always higher, and I praise You for Your grace and the beauty of forgiveness amidst our shortcomings. 

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NASB)