Keep the Fire Burning

I've always loved campfires- watching the flames twirl and twist, the scent of freshly burned wood, the warmth it provides in the cool evenings. Recently, however, I've gained a new sense of appreciation for fire for what it taught me about life. The house I live in is mainly heated by fire. So I've gotten the chance to become a better fire builder. One day as I was working on getting a good fire going, I was struggling to get the bigger pieces of wood to catch the fire. As I watched the fire, my mind began to think deeply. I've heard of our testimonies being compared to a fire before, how we need to keep adding wood to the fire so it doesn't burn out. But in order for the fire to start, we can't start with a big log. I have to start a fire by creating the right environment for it- some kindling and then light a match. Testimonies start with something small and are lit by a spark- by the hearing of the word. However, the fire in the kindling dies quickly and a good fire maker knows to add sticks that are a little bigger. Someone may feel the truths of the gospel, but if they don't continue to experiment, if their flame isn't encouraged to light something a little bigger, it will quickly die. The fire builds slowly, you can't go straight from kindling to a big log, you add pieces a little bigger than the other in places where it will catch the fire. It's our job as members of the church to help others- youth, investigators, recent converts- to make sure their logs are lighting- that they're experimenting and enjoying the warmth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.