A Most Memorable 4th of July

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” – Romans 13:11 (NKJV)
I was 10 that 4th of July. My legs dangled over the back wall as I watched the colorful explosions in the sky.  Then one of the fireworks misfired right into the bottom of the hill where I sat. And after that, I don’t remember the fireworks – just the fire.
Ever professional, the pyrotechnicians continued the show while fighting the fire. But the desert plants were drought resistant not fire retardant. And even after the fire department arrived the flames continued to leap from bush to bush, steadily climbing toward my feet.
People watching from inside their houses remained captivated by the fireworks and were blind to the fire. But those of us outside were fully focused. We were pulling back the flammable yard décor and hauling out the garden hose just in case. We were the last line of defense.
In life, many are distracted by the fireworks while a fire burns on the perimeter. In our day and time, distractions abound. They may be good or sinful or neither. Often, they are simply what catches our eye, teases our imagination, and sucks in our physical, mental and spiritual energy.  Romans 13 is a call to shed what is inconsequential and awaken to the spiritual battle that rages around us -- just beyond our pet diversion.
Jonathan Edwards would agree: There is a fire racing toward our feet and toward the feet of those we love. Our salvation is near which means their destruction is likewise near. It is high time for us to awaken from our sleep, forget the fireworks, and reclaim our undivided loyalty to God and His Kingdom.
A fire rages and we see it coming. Where is our focus? God is calling us to action right now. What is my role? What is your role?