Log on the Fire

"I don't think I'm going to church tomorrow," Bryce said. He was lying on the floor in front of the fireplace, watching the flames shoot up toward the chimney. He glanced at his dad to see what his reaction would be. Dad closed his laptop. "Why is that? We let you stay home last Sunday because you had a sore throat. What is it this time?" Bryce rolled over on his back. "Dad, I've gone to church all my life. Why do I have to listen to the same things over and over again? It's always the same--sing a bunch of songs and then listen to the sermon." When he saw Dad frown, he quickly added, "I can read my Bible and pray here at home, can't I?" "Yes, and it's important to do that," said Dad. "But Sunday is a special day to worship with other Christians." Bryce sighed. "I'll be glad when I'm old enough to do what I want." He pointed to a log sitting next to the fireplace. "There's just one log left, Dad. Should I put it on the fire?" Dad shook his head. "Just let it burn by itself--over there in the wood carrier." Bryce stared at him. "Burn in the wood carrier! What are you talking about? That would make a mess! Besides, you know a log won't just start burning by itself." He gave Dad a quizzical look. "I'll add it to the fire, okay?" Dad chuckled. "Okay. While you do, remember that just like those logs need the heat and flames from the other logs in the fireplace to burn, Christians need the warmth of being with other Christians. God tells us not to neglect getting together with one another. We can grow as we pray and read the Bible on our own, but we also need to spend time with other believers. They need us too--just like those logs that still are burning need reinforcement. As we spend time together worshiping Jesus and learning more about Him, we share the warmth of His love and reinforce one another with His truth." Bryce reached for the last log. "All right," he said as he added it to the fire. "I'll go to church tomorrow." -Beverly Kenniston