God’s Fire—Strange Fire

God’s Fire—Strange Fire

Now, as God’s fire is burning among us, it is essential to know that there is something that is called strange fire, so we can be on guard against it, for it is not genuine, but counterfeit.

Wherever there is real money there tends to be some counterfeit money. And wherever God’s fire is, there is also a tendency for strange fire to burn.

God’s fire is a holy fire. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matt. 3:11. Holiness is the direct opposite of all kinds of sin and works of man.

God’s fire is that pure, divine fire of love whose only aim is to help and perform the good, to say and do what is for the others’ salvation and edification, when there is a need for gentleness as well as for strictness.

Strange fire (see Leviticus 9:24—10:2) does not proceed from God but from man and is the result of a zeal for furthering one’s own will and opinion and for self-assertion. Politicians (for example) can speak with fire and ardor, carrying the masses with them. Just think of Hitler. This also applies to the religious realm. One can even give one’s body to be burned (1 Cor. 13:3) just to assert oneself and one’s opinion.

There are no limits to the things for which a person can be passionate with fire and zeal, even when it comes to opposing the church (for example, Paul before his conversion). Undoubtedly, the person loves whatever he is so passionate about, yet it is the very opposite of God’s fire of love!

Let us be on guard against all kinds of strange fire, and rather seek to be filled with God’s flaming fire of love and melt together in it! The manifestations of this fire of love are very easily recognizable, as are the manifestations of strange fire. This adage is very apt when it comes to strange fire: “Much bleating, but little wool.”

It is often the case that the voice gets louder when you are filled with the Holy Spirit and fire. Moreover, it is also true that then the many manifestations of true, pure love increase and that fellowship becomes so much warmer and more sincere.

However, it is also a fact that you can have a loud voice, even a very loud voice, without life and fellowship with the others becoming better. Shouting can also become a habit even though the inner relationship is not particularly good.

In such a case one can rightly say that this strange zeal is a surrogate, a bad substitute for the ardor of pure love. Therefore, my beloved friends: Only what is genuine!!!

Every tree is known by its fruits! This is the simplest of all forms of doctrine! Let us altogether act according to this guideline!

Yours, devoted for your best—