CATHEXIS

In literal “light” of what is going on in the world with raging wild fires; scorching heat; blazes out of control; the enormity of devastation is yet to be determined. We are in an ecological crisis. The world is in constant change. We wonder why it’s all happening and walk into the future with questions that don’t have answers. We long to hold to something that will not burst into flame and be gone or dissolve in ashes.

The Greek “kathexis” refers to have or hold. We derive Cathexis as the concentration of mental energy on one particular person, idea or object. The significance could be to an almost unhealthy degree. But what if we flipped that and determined that we could have such mental energy focused on Jesus, positive thoughts and love?

In our often comfortable, coast-along, lackadaisical attitude toward life, we can often miss out on the passion we could have for living zestfully. Life can change in a moment. The scorching sun intesifies its beams; the rain and hail hurl down their ice balls and spits of moisture; the wild wind reaps the dust and sweeps it down the parched earth. Nature knows how to demonstrate the power! Why can’t we?

I recently read a quote by Jim Elliot as he pleaded with God to ignite the fire of his soul:

He makes his ministers a flame of fire. Am I ignitable? God deliver me from the dread asbestos of other things. Saturate me with the oil of thy Spirit that I may be a flame. But flame is transient often short-lived. Canst thou bear this, my soul, short life? Make me Thy Fuel, Flame of God! Make me Thy Fuel.”

And because we are witnessing destruction by fire, seeing billows of smoke on the news and hearing witnesses fleeing for their lives; it is a constant reminder that we need to share the love of Jesus; show compassion for our fellow man, woman and child and know that this transcient life is short-lived. Lord, give us the passion, set our souls on fire for the gospel and its message to share that hope with others.