Chopping and burning wood during the recent cold snap reminded me of an old story that is told by ministers of many faiths.
Imagine a fire with the embers still glowing and giving off heat. Using brass tongs or other implements, one of the hot embers can be removed. “That ember would then slowly pale in light and turn black. No longer would it glow. No longer would it warm.”* However, by returning the black ember to the fire, it begins to glow again.
The story notes, “People are somewhat like the coals of a fire.” Separated from a Christian group, they change, losing some of the warmth and spirit they could be enjoying. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
With daily life presenting challenges to so many, let’s be “glowing embers” so we can share the joy and confidence we have in the gospel of Jesus Christ with our friends and family.
* http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/10/home-teaching-a-divine-service?lang=eng. Pres. Thomas S. Monson, 1997.
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