April 20, 2025

In firefighting we follow a whole series of SOG’s (standard operating guidelines to try and keep ourselves from being hurt or killed. This despite the fact that the obvious way to keep from being hurt in a structure fire or other emergency situation is to stay away from it. As a general rule of life I would suggest getting out of a structure that is burning and staying out. Why then spend time money and training trying to stay safe when in and around a burning building? Its only for one reason and that is because someone else may be in danger. This is the only justification for entering a structure that is burning and or filled with dangerous fumes. Even firefighters don’t enter burning buildings if no one is inside it is easier and safer to fight the fire from outside. 

There is an assumption which underlies all the effort. It is that human life is valuable worth protecting from danger and rescuing from danger if needed. So our efforts are driven by an ethical truth. 

There are a couple of points I would like to draw from this. First helping someone else requires being safe yourself. Second helping someone else takes preparation and planning so that you have the tools to conduct a rescue. Third helping someone else requires entering potential danger but with appropriate caution. 

While we know to leave a burning building we may not know the coming danger that exists for all people everywhere. Second Peter three describes the final destruction of the earth saying “the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire.” As Christians we are also working within an ethical framework one which is grounded in the goodness of God. We know the value of each person and that their eternal soul is in danger of judgement (Mat 16:26). 

I would like to suggest that this similarity between the work of the church and emergency services could help us in our approach to the world and the lost.

• Helping someone else requires first being safe yourself Matthew 28:18-20; Gal 6:1
• Helping someone takes preparation I Pet 3:15-16
• Helping someone requires being with them which may present some danger Mrk 16:15; 1 Cor 9:27; Gal 6:1

If we love people as God calls us we will do what we can to reach out to them. Knowing that they are worth out time and effort. Further we will prepare ourselves by knowing God’s will revealed in his word and developing ever greater Christian character. 

~ Kevin Cleary