What’s inside?

Proteas have an extraordinary relationship with fire. In the fynbos of the Western Cape, fire can look like complete destruction – yet for many proteas, it becomes the beginning of new life. Fire clears away old vegetation, returns nutrients to the soil, and triggers the release of seeds. But here is something fascinating: a protea seed head can contain hundreds of things that look like seeds, yet many are empty. From the outside, they look remarkably similar. It is only when the fire comes that what carries life is revealed. Perhaps that is true of us too. It is easy to look like a Christian when life is comfortable. But what comes out of us when the fire comes – when we are hurt, frightened, disappointed, attacked, or when life doesn't go according to plan? Paul describes the great secret of Christianity: "And this is the secret: Christ lives in you." (Colossians 1:27). Christianity isn't ultimately about looking right on the outside. It is about having Someone living on the inside. And sometimes the fire reveals the difference. Trials don't necessarily destroy us. With Christ within us, they can become the very place where new life begins. So perhaps the question isn't simply, "Can I survive the fire?" It is much deeper: When the fire comes, what will it reveal is living inside me? (Craig B). Open Bible – bit.ly/col1v27