Igniting blessings from God

We heat with a wood stove and spring in Alaska ushers in a tricky time of year. At times we are cold when we become complacent about our wood supply; other times we add too much wood to the stove and overheat the house. But in the cold of winter, few things bring me daily joy like the honed lighting of the one-match fire.

So my ears and heart perked up a bit last week, as I listened to an address from Dale G. Renlund, one of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In considering the appropriation of heavenly blessings, Renlund compares God’s potential blessings for each of us to a bonfire prepared for lighting. This immense pile of wood is perfectly positioned, with fine, dry, kindling at the heart, layered with progressively larger sticks and logs. He asks us to envision a single match next to the woodpile. Unless the match is struck and applied to the kindling, the fire will not start. But with a continuous supply of oxygen and fuel, this bonfire can continue to burn indefinitely.

Renlund likens the action of striking the match to the action God requires from us to qualify for his endless blessings. Ignition of blessings comes through acts of faith: prayer, study, obedience. Every blessing we receive is dependent on our obedience to its corresponding commandment. Faithful action brings God’s divine help and support. Daily efforts to serve those in need, turn away from evil, and continue forward on the path of discipleship, supply a constant stream of oxygen to keep our proverbial bonfire going.

As we act on our desires to change and become more like Christ, we can embrace his invitation to repent. Our personal and humble repentance allows us to feel God’s love for us more abundantly. His love for each of us never waivers or diminishes, but we limit our ability to feel divine love when we offend his Spirit in moments of weakness, anger, jealousy, or sin. Faithful and continuous repentance gives us access to God’s greatest gifts: forgiveness, love, mercy, and eternal life.

Renlund explains, “Our salvation comes only through the merits and grace of Jesus Christ. The immensity of His atoning sacrifice means that the woodpile is infinite; our puny actions approach zero in comparison. But they are not zero, and they are not insignificant; in the dark, a match that is lit can be seen for miles. In fact, it can be seen in heaven because small acts of faith are required to ignite God’s promises.”

I enjoyed Renlund’s comparison, not only because I like a good fire. Scripture references to Christ as our light, and purification by fire abound. Christ declares, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12 KJV).

The repentant soul is both cleansed by fire and warmly comforted by the power and influence of the Holy Ghost. Jeremiah experienced the influence of God’s word as a fire. “But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jer. 20:9) Indeed, can we not see rightly by the light of the Spirit of God? “Put your trust in the Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit…I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy” (D&C 11:12-13).

In the dark and cold of Alaska’s winter, fire brings both warmth and light. As we look to Christ, our light, our perfect example, we will see our path back home. Eternal blessings await, and all we need to do is strike the match.

Amity Condie lives in Palmer and enjoys reading, writing, and skijoring with her dogs and family. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.