This past week I had the opportunity to hike in the backcountry in the mountains for the first time this year. Hiking is a reflection opportunity for me and at one point in redirecting my wandering mind to His presence and purpose I was drawn to what Paul wrote to Timothy.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 1 Timothy 4:14–15 (NKJV)
6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV)
While these words were written to Timothy, something else Paul wrote tells me it applies to our lives as well, in this case it is the correction of the direction of thinking and instruction or training in righteousness, right thinking lead to right actions.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)
Paul obviously thought that Timothy walking in his gifts and calling was important because he addressed it in both of these short letters to Timothy. Equally important to the growth of His body is us walking in our gifts and callings. Obviously, we first need to know what gifting we carry, then we need to heed Paul’s injunction to Timothy. I am focusing on the latter.
In 1 Timothy Paul highlighted three things we can summarize as follows regarding our gift.
- Pay attention to what we have been given.
- Meditate, reflect deeply on the use of the gifts we carry.
- Gives ourselves fully to seeing the gift(s) exercised.
Then in 2 Timothy Paul directed Timothy to ‘stir up’ his gift. Let’s address that aspect. The ESV translates the phrase as ‘fan into flame.’ I don’t know about you, but I like a wood fire, and we have a wood fireplace in our home. In the winter when the fire begins to die down a poker, appropriately named, can be used to poke the coals and look for ones that are still red hot even if the fire is dying. More wood can then be added and a bellows used to direct air onto the hot coals until the added wood bursts into flame. This is what Paul was communicating to Timothy and by extension us. He said a similar thing to Archippus, highlighting the need to pay attention to his calling.
17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17 (NKJV)
When I was a child the Doris Day show was popular. If you have never heard of it don’t worry. The show began with Doris singing a song, ‘que sera sera whatever will be will be.’ It is expressed in first Spanish then English. It was very popular; however, it reflects not faith but fatalism. It is akin to the idea, “If God wants me to do X He will make it happen.” That is not what scripture teaches. Paul is telling us that to fulfill our calling and purpose we need to pay attention, focus on it and develop it.
Now to the practical part, some reflective questions.
- Do you spend time reflecting on and developing the gifts He has given you?
- Can you envision yourself doing what He has called you to do?
- Are you taking practical steps to use your gifts to build up the body?
What will be is what we partner with Him to accomplish. Let’s seek to reflect on and be faithful with what He has called us to.
In closing a song from Brian Doerksen who stepped from time into eternity earlier this week. His music touched generations for decades and this song seems appropriate to our calling to partner with Jesus in stewarding well what He has given to us.
Light The Fire Again | Brian Doerksen feat. Marika Siewert | Live Performance
