What does being "on fire" really mean? Dictionary.com defines it as a 'Burning intensity of feeling; ardor. Passion. Enthusiasm.' People who are on fire for a purpose will go all out to further it. They will think and talk about their passion frequently.

Why is it important to be on fire for a purpose? Because it gives life a direction so that one knows what one is working towards. This ensures that the time that one has is not used unproductively on other less important things which do not further the purpose or cause. It helps to keep one focused.

There are many things that a man can be on fire for. Money, Fame, Power, Happiness, to name a few. However, these things do not last forever. They are worthless once you leave this world. And as for happiness, it might make you feel good for a time, but what happens when you lose that happiness? Does it mean your life is meaningless when that is gone? When the black dog comes, do you give up? Happy is a yuppie word.

After thinking about it, I feel that there is no higher purpose than to seek after God. To be on fire for Him and to do His will. Because God is faithful. Even if we do not reap our reward in this life, we can be sure that the things we do will not be forgotten in heaven and 'in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.'(Gal 6:9) But we serve Him because we love Him, because He first loved us with an everlasting love.

The bible says in Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

We keep talking about being a light to the world. There are two sources of light which I want to address. An electric light bulb, and a bonfire. An electric light bulb can only provide light to a certain area. It can shine, but the light cannot travel to other areas further away. A bonfire, on the other hand, can spread its light to other areas by lighting up other pieces of wood. In this way, the light can go to more places and impact a greater area. Are you a light bulb or a bonfire for God? Do you shine at all?

A fire needs fuel to burn. As a fire burns, it uses up fuel. If the fuel is not replenished, the fire will certainly die out eventually. Therefore, it is important to constantly fuel the fire within. By going to church, doing your quiet time daily, praying regularly, going for cell group, going for bible study etc. However, it doesn't mean that if you do all this, that you are on fire for God. Being on fire is an attitude of the heart. One can be a cell leader, but do it out of obligation and not out of a sincere desire to serve God and disciple His people.

If you've played with sparklers before, you would know that if two sparklers are burning, and you put their fires together, they burn brighter. Likewise, I like to be in company with people who are on fire for God, to be encouraged by them and also to encourage, so that the group of us might burn brighter for God.

I do not want to claim that I'm really on fire for God right now. I don't know that. But I can at least say that I'm not lukewarm anymore. Revelations 3:16 says 'So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.'

I wish that everyone would be on fire for God. But like salvation, this cannot be forced. It is an attitude which has to be cultivated by the individual. It is a decision. A decision which I hope people don't take too long to reach, because I don't want them to end up like me in the past.