Fireworks, Freedom, and Conviction

We, as a nation, just started a new week that followed the Fourth of July. This day comes every year and is supposed to be a reminder for us that we have some freedoms that others in the world may not be as privileged as us to have. 

For me this day is more of a reminder of what my faith has brought me...freedom from sin. God even made sure to remind me of this freedom that He has given me when I was watching the firework display that our city puts on every year. 

To watch the beautiful firework display I went to go sit in the parking lot of our church. It's actually the perfect spot to watch because the church itself is on a hill and there is a clear line of sight for the fireworks. It's even an amazing spot to sit and see people setting off fireworks at their homes for mile and miles. It was quite the show. 

But, something hit me when I was watching the fireworks go off. It hit me that these fireworks are a reminder of who I am in Christ...a bright light that can bring people joy. 

Fireworks have a two fold identity. When they are in their packaging they are dull, boring, and plain. Sure they can have pretty colors all over the packaging, but while some of them can have a shape to them, most of them come in a box or cylinder. This boring packaging hides the beauty and majesty that resides inside. When the fuse is lit something amazing happens. Sparks fly, colors explode, and they light up the sky like nothing else.

We, as Christians, are like these fireworks. We might come in different packaging, but there isn't anything particularly special about our wrappings. Sure we can put on the perfect outfit, have the perfect car and house, and have "pretty colors" on the outside, but how do we respond when our fuse is lit because God sparks our fuse all the time? 

Do we show the world all of the glory that resides inside of us due to the freedom that our faith offers?

Do we put on a display of brilliant, beautiful sparks that will draw others to us and our faith?

Or, are we like the dud firework that, when lit, fizzles out and does nothing?

As I sat there watching the fireworks it hit me...I have been called by God to be a firework that will explode and show those around me just how great a life of faith can be. I was extremely convicted during this time of reflection to grow deeper in my faith, get back to writing and share just how much God has given me. I was convicted to explode faith sparks all over anyone around me. I want the world to see how much God means to me.

God offers freedom. He absolutely does. But do we show that freedom by exploding high above others and sharing this freedom with them? Or do we just fizzle out? 

It's our choice to decide which type of firework we want to be...a beautiful, regal explosion of faith or just a plain, disappointing dud.