There is a strange rest that comes from capturing the fire of the past. Before there was health care, birth control, food surplus, and Walmart, people struggled and tested things. The quality of life was measured differently when there was not abundance.
In today’s world, Christianity is sometimes measured by outward buildings, by symbols, or by relics. For me, I am much more interested in the time-tested behavior of people who walked the ancient paths of Christlikeness successfully.
It is not safe to live mostly in the past, but when we look for models of how individuals lived meaningful lives, there are plenty of good examples of men and women who thrived and finished well.
Some parts of tradition are worth preserving and should never be forgotten. When I read old books and reflect, I am looking for the fire of God burning hot, something I can carry forward. I am not worshiping ashes.
When I see the fire in the rearview mirror, it makes me smile, and turning to peer through the windshield, I am optimistic about what the future looks like.
I don’t want to be crushed by the past. It’s filled with ashes. I want to carry the fire forward on the old path, something that becomes for me a new path.
I also want the young people around me to learn that there is rest there, something they desperately need. Old paths have intrinsic tranquility. I can live in peace and also carry forward the fire. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Life in the Holy Spirit is one of fire; it’s not ashes and woe. This is the Christ I want people to know, a healthy balance of rest and fire.
