Your Gift of God

Good Morning,

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Each of us has a gift given by God. Some of us use that gift and others, for whatever reasons, allow their gift to lie fallow in the soil of their lives. Today, we read words from the Apostle Paul to Timothy about using his, Timothy's, gift, "I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God..." and not allow that gift to go unused. These very words should echo today in our minds and hearts, as well. Most of us are aware of some special talent or ability that we have within. Some of us, however, don't feel that capability we have inside is worth being used, or, perhaps, not worthy of being used in God's service. How sad when that happens. I say that because I can speak from experience in this area. Not only do we cheat God by not using what He has so generously and lovingly given, we cheat our fellow Christians, we cheat the world, and...maybe the worst of all...we cheat ourselves. You see, when your gift, your talent, your very special ability is used, then you become a much, much more complete human being.

Paul goes on to tell Timothy something that those of us who are allowing our skills and capabilities to go unused need to be reminded of, as well. He says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline." The Amplified Bible translates this way, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." These are some strong words. But then, strong words are needed sometimes in order to cajole people into doing something that they might otherwise not do.

The fact is, when we take the step (some might say it's a leap!), go ahead and use the special ability given us by God, then we show God that we not only love Him, but we also trust Him to allow our gift to be used in His service and for His glory. We read here that we have been given "a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline" and not a spirit of "timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing fear" and we are to put into use that very power, and love, and self discipline that are additional gifts from God.

How very distressing it is when we see obviously talented and gifted people who simply cannot bring themselves to do the things we know they can do. I cannot imagine how much greater the Church would be if every person in it would simply use, without any "timidity", the gifts they've been given. It goes beyond our human minds to be able to envision the Church where ALL are doing their utmost for God; a Church, I think, that God wants us to be.

Look inside today and see if there are unique gifts that are not being used. Search diligently to find talents that are just waiting to come out and glorify God. Then, when you find them...and YOU WILL!...put them to use. Don't hesitate! Do NOT allow the enemy to come and place doubts into your mind or lie to you about the fact that you do have this talent, ability, or skill. Then, go out and put those gifts to use. Remember, not only will those around you benefit, but you will also be blessed by becoming the complete person God wants you to be. Not to mention the glory you can give to God by using what He's provided to you.

As the Nike people like to say, "JUST DO IT!"

Love, peace, and blessings,

David