Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joe Ryan on February 11, 2009 at 10:58pm

The way it has been explained to me is: that the closer that you get to Christ, the more the devil steps up his attacks on you. The unhappy people and those who would drag you down to their level simply cannot be allowed to do so. We are taught to put on the armor of the Lord. Remember, you are the target of the devil not the others-he already has them.
At the firehouse become very proficient in your profession. Devote hours to study and advancing your knowledge. The respect that you will get from this will temper the big mouths.
Of course, continue to pray-go and find a quiet place for this whenever you can.
Continue also, to be an upright Christian lead from example and lead from the front. Blessings, <>< Joe

Permalink Reply by Jacob Fouts on February 11, 2009 at 11:10pm

Thats a great thought and is what I try do, (getting profficient), but there are certainly days that it is harder to do than others as I am sure that you are aware. Please give me your opinion, there is one particular firefighter that works as part of my team and he is an individual that needs a little extra attention. He is the kind of person who sets himself to an unrealistic standard, and when he doesn't meet that standard, he basically goes into self destruct mode. He consistently tries my faith and strength in the lord when I have to deal with him, and on a personal level we have talke dabout his faith and he knows about my belief in the lord. But it doesn't matter what we are doing, when he goes into self destruct mode he pushes even harder to tear evrybody else down a notch or two. I have tried so many things but nothing seems to work with this person, and now it's taking time away from my faith.

What would you do other than pray for this person? I have even gone as far as to try to get him to be transfered to a different crew, but I feel as the Lord has put him with me for a reason. Your thoughts?

Permalink Reply by Joe Ryan on February 11, 2009 at 11:52pm

Ok, now you've put a face to your trials.
I had "problem children" when I was coming up through the ranks too.
As his Company Officer, you have to set the standards of your crew. They are not individual standards, but what CAN be expected from the entirety of the crew. If he is an advanced FF assign him as your training person. There's no better way to learn a job than by teaching it. If he is not an advanced FF you'll have to reign him in and let him know you want it your way (and the Dept's).
He's going to challenge you either way. Let him know what behavior is and is not accepted while in the firehouse or out on a job. Set the standard, hold him to it, and PRAY- for him and you. Blessings, Joe
The other end of this is, if he absolutely cannot be controlled. You must document his behavior and let him know you are doing it and why. This is protect both him and you.

Permalink Reply by Bob Kolva on February 16, 2009 at 12:25am

We live in a fallen world and you are an ambassador for Christ in that world. While it is not practical, easy, or even appropriate to spend your time evangelizing your fellow firefighters you are charged to lead by example. You never know who you are influencing through your actions and there may come a time when you are sincerely questioned about the hope that is within you; this is your opportunity to answer with a message of hope, faith and love. We are all in fulltime Christian ministry and as Christians those around us watch very carefully how we react to when the pressure it on. Continuing to struggle on your own will only bring frustration. Find a mentor, there should be someone at your church or in the department that has gone through similar struggles. I have a wonderful support family as a member of a small group at our church. Most importantly pray first, pray often, and then listen for an answer, God won’t let you down. Bob

Permalink Reply by Marty D. Ross on March 10, 2009 at 6:58pm

Yes I find it hard to be a good christian all the time. Then I think about all my royal rangers that have earned there G M A and wonder what they would tell me. You can lok at it so many ways, like we are doing gods work simply by being there when someone needs use.

Permalink Reply by Marty D. Ross on April 2, 2009 at 6:47pm

Jacob I'm new at this computer stuff, but we are not in the most pleasant of jobs. You really need to respect your own mind set. Find someone you can talk to in your dept. but know that they will also need your shoulder at times. but we will all make it if we stick together.

Permalink Reply by Padre Pete on April 15, 2009 at 9:40pm

Hello Brother Jacob, I have read your stuff and admired your example. It is good to know you're out there. In your response to Joe, there was something that jumped off the page at me. You said " There was this one firefighter......." That said a great deal about what you are dealing with. You have judged this guy, classified him and prayed for him and, I'd bet my lunch, you have been loosing sleep over him. Most times it comes down to our own attitude. Good news. The Lord has sent me to advise you to seek help from someone He has annointed with the gift to councel. Turning this kind of thing inward deprives you of the rich resources God has placed here for you and of the joy to which prophets like you are entitled. I have a dear friend and coucellor who has redirected my a sights and restored my faith often and she has done the same for those I've sent to her. All the time she radiates her joy in Christ. She is certified. She is not ordained but her faith is highly contageous. Find one. We can not do for others if we ourselves are spent as victems. Dont pray for this guy with your head bowed. Raise your arms and look to The Light. You are in my prayers. Yours in Christ, Peter

Permalink Reply by Padre Pete on April 15, 2009 at 11:21pm

That would be "counsel" with only one c.