FIGHTING SIN IS LIKE FIGHTING FOREST FIRE
In June 2002, in the worst wildfire in Arizona history, more
than 350,000 acres were burned and upwards of 400 homes
destroyed. As a 50 mile wall of flames approached the little
town of Show Low (150 miles northeast of Phoenix), townspeople
braced for the worst and hoped for the best.

More than 3,000 inhabitants of Show Low were evacuated while
firefighters tried to save the town by carving a fire line
around the community. With gas-fueled blow torches, the
firefighters actually set fire to the cactus-ridden underbrush
on the outskirts of town.

According to Jim Paxon, fire crew spokesman, the controlled
burn would serve as a preventive measure so the advancing
blaze wouldn't have anything to ignite. "It's what you call
fighting fire with fire," Paxon said.

As a result of the measures taken, Show Low, Arizona, was
spared.

Jesus recognized the importance of taking drastic action to
protect oneself against disaster. He said if your right hand
puts you at risk, cut it off to escape the flames of judgment.
"It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for
you whole body to go into hell" (Matthew 5:30).

Citation: Greg Asimakoupoulos, Naperville, IL; source: "NBC
Today Show" (6-25-02)