Some people use lighters, some cigarettes, and some matches. Others buy “punks” made specifically for lighting fireworks. No matter what you use, you need a spark of some sort. You also need air (i.e., oxygen). Without either of those elements, the fireworks simply won’t light. They’ll be duds with no value.

What lights your fuse?

In a spiritual sense, what gets you excited? What motivates you, essentially lighting your fuse? As a Christian, nothing motivates me more than the value I have in Christ.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

“You were bought at a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

These verses tell me of my value. They tell me I am one-of-a-kind. Some days, I don’t agree. I don’t think I’m valuable, special, or unique. Fortunately, God’s opinion of me is accurate, and mine is not.

What fuels your spark?

Without air, a spark will die, never reaching its purpose. Air, specifically oxygen, is the single most important element in the physical sense for humans. We can live 40 days without food, three days without water, but only minutes without air.

Spiritually, not only does our Creator stand as our greatest motivator because of the value He gives us, He also provides the “air” needed to fuel the fuse once it’s lit. 

“The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7)

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.” (Ezekiel 37:9-10)

“With that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22)

Our very life breath finds its source with God, the One who can even rise up dry bones and breathe life into them once again. If that doesn’t “fan the flame” (2 Timothy 1:6) for you, realize that His Holy Spirit gives us amazing power to do that which God created us to do.

We can’t earn God’s love. He gives it freely. In fact, He loves us so intensely that He wants us to always be with Him (John 14:3) forever (Psalm 23:6). His love shows through in how He values us, motivates us and fuels us, and that love is a faithful love that will always remain (Isaiah 54:10).