02/09/2014

Exactly 348 years ago today, on Sunday 2nd September 1666, Thomas Farriner was woken at 2 am by one of his workers who smelt smoke. Their home-bakery in Pudding Lane was on fire.

Driven by a strong wind, the fire spread rapidly through the narrow streets and timber buildings of the City of London.

When it eventually burned itself out four days later it had destroyed more than 13,000 houses, 84 churches, numerous public buildings and the old St. Paul’s Cathedral. Over 100,000 people were left homeless.

And it all started with a spark from a baker’s oven.

The Apostle James writes, “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”

It’s difficult to exaggerate the damage done by a tongue that is out of control through carelessness or spite! It can destroy people, wreck relationships, inflame tensions and even start wars.

It’s little wonder that the Apostle Peter wrote, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”

It’s worth remembering on this anniversary of the Great Fire of London the enormous damage that can be done by a single spark.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for all the words of help and comfort that people have spoken into our lives over the years, but we also confess that we have not always used our own lips to bless others. Forgive us, we pray, and help us to guard our tongues that they may speak only that which pleases you. Amen