Do you know what pyrophoric carbonization is?
You are probably saying right now, “Whatever is that? I can’t even pronounce it!”
Pyrophoric carbonization is a very serious condition that can cause fires. The chemical composition of wood and other flammable materials changes when exposed to heat for a long time. This change lowers the temperature at which it will burn. A fire can start at a very low temperature. In fact, the heat from an ordinary light bulb may be enough to start a fire.
A man mounted a hot-water heater tank directly on a wall. The instructions told him to leave a four-inch space between the heater and the wall, but he paid no attention to the instructions. A few years later the wall caught fire and the building burned down. Maybe he thought he was smart enough and did not need to read the directions. He had made a serious mistake by ignoring the directions, and the result was tragic.
There are many people like this man. They must think they are smarter than God because they ignore God’s directions and get into trouble as a result. God’s Word, the Bible, gives us directions for our lives. It warns us that “the wages of sin is death.” It also tells us how to avoid the danger: “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).
If you do not follow God’s directions, your end will be tragic -the lake of fire. Do not be so foolish as the man in our story and think it does not matter. You and I are not wiser than God. He loves us and tells us to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:3131And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31). You will not only be saved from hell, but saved for heaven and be given a happy new life while you wait.
The long exposure to heat makes it easier for wood to burn. You and I are exposed to sin every day. It is all around us. We forget how easy it is to do those bad things. It happens so easily. We don’t even think that we have done bad, but God says we have. He tells us in the Bible that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23).
The Bible gives us directions for our own safety. Are you reading it?
READ IT!
BELIEVE IT!
OBEY IT!
ML-04/04/1993