Holy Fire That Defies Approval

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” — Romans 1:16 (KJV)

Holy Fire That Defies Approval

To be on fire for the Lord is to live ablaze with conviction, not convenience. It is to carry the gospel as a torch in a world that may prefer shadows. Paul’s declaration in Romans 1:16 is not a whisper—it is a trumpet blast. He speaks not from comfort but from chains, not from applause but from persecution. And yet, he is unashamed. Why? Because the gospel is not a social accessory—it is the power of God.

This fire is not contingent on reception. It does not flicker when misunderstood, mocked, or marginalized. In fact, it often burns brighter in rejection. Consider Jeremiah, who cried, “His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones…” (Jeremiah 20:9). Though ridiculed and beaten, he could not silence the flame. The fire of God is not extinguished by public opinion—it is fueled by divine commission.

Jesus Himself warned, “Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake…” (Matthew 10:22), yet He also promised, “But he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” The Christian who burns for the Lord does not seek the world’s applause but heaven’s approval. This fire is not reckless—it is refined. It is not loud for attention—it is loud for truth.

🔥 Scriptural Anchors for the Unashamed Flame:

• Acts 4:19-20 — “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Peter and John stood before councils, not crowds. Their fire was not for performance—it was for proclamation.
• Galatians 1:10 — “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Paul draws a line: pleasing men and serving Christ are often incompatible. The fire chooses allegiance.
• 2 Timothy 1:7-8 — “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear… Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord…” Timidity is not a fruit of the Spirit. Boldness, love, and soundness are.

 The Fire That Transforms

This holy fire is not merely emotional zeal—it is spiritual resolve. It is the kind of fire that purifies motives, clarifies purpose, and sanctifies speech. It is the fire that stood in Daniel’s furnace, walked with Stephen to his stoning, and sang hymns with Paul in prison. It is the fire that does not ask, “Will they accept me?” but rather, “Will I honor Him?”

To be on fire for the Lord is to be a living altar—daily laid down, daily lit by the Spirit. It is to be a city on a hill, not hidden for comfort but shining for conviction. It is to say, “Though none go with me, still I will follow.”

Final Reflection:

Let the fire burn. Let it burn past rejection, past misunderstanding, past isolation. For the gospel is not a trend—it is eternity. And the Christian ablaze with truth is not a spectacle—they are a signal. A signal that heaven is near, that grace is real, and that Jesus is worth it all.

I honestly do not care what “individuals think” all I care about is what my LORD thinks.  It’s not to say I have careless disregard for family, friends, acquaintances and such – it is I am not “concerned about the thoughts of men/women in terms of my connection and behavior and relationship with Christ. Some think I am extreme in my practices and activities – and that is okay. I only care about serving Him and what He thinks of me – and His love that embraces me daily.

In fact, I find myself pulling more and more away from the “world” and its ugly shrill voice of negativity and outlandish ideologies.  I am safely secure in the knowledge of His promises and His love and His glory.  Period!

“O LORD, You are the consuming fire, the holy flame that purifies and empowers. Today, we stand unashamed of Your gospel, for it is the power of salvation, the light in our darkness, the anchor in our storms. Kindle within us a fire that does not flicker with fear or fade with rejection—a fire that burns with truth, love, and holy boldness. Let our hearts echo Jeremiah’s cry: that Your Word be as fire shut up in our bones, impossible to silence. May we speak, live, and love with the courage of Paul, the endurance of Stephen, and the devotion of Mary at Your feet. Let us not seek the approval of men, but the pleasure of heaven. When we are misunderstood, let us be faithful. When we are mocked, let us be merciful. When we are alone, let us remember You are near. Sanctify our witness, Lord. Let our lives be altars, our words be incense, and our steps be led by Your Spirit. May every rejection refine us, every trial deepen us, and every moment draw us closer to Your heart. We burn not for applause, but for Your glory. We shine not for fame, but for Your name. We endure not for comfort, but for the crown. In Jesus’ mighty name—unashamed, unwavering, and ablaze—we pray. Amen.”