“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” I Timothy 4:14
Let me ask you a question…”What gifts are lying dormant in your life?”
Truly, what are the passions and abilities that you are not utilizing, and what happened in your life that made you pull back instead of push forward? Are you intimidated that you might not be the best at something? Are you afraid that people won’t appreciate what you bring to the table? Have you become so self-absorbed that you don’t want to step out of your comfort zone to serve in any capacity?
Would you allow me to challenge you today? Would you allow scripture to stir you?
There are amazing gifts that God has given you, now is the time to begin to use them. They might not be as glamorous as some, but your gifts are irreplaceable. In the grand scheme of things, God knew what He needed and he placed the right amount of passion, perspective, and ability into your life. And he expects you to use it. The world needs you. God is counting on you. It’s time.
Give some thought to this. Are there gifts buried? If so, how could you…how should you begin to use them?
I look forward to seeing what GOd will do as you begin to step out.
Verse 13 is a command. It reads, “Until i come, devote yourselves to the public reading of scripture. To teaching and preaching.”
Love this…although it challenges me.
It reminds me to devote myself to the “public” reading of scripture, to teaching and to preaching.
See, I am convinced that the Word of God and Holy Spirit inspired principles are profound and impactful. I believe that whenever Biblical truths intersect lives, things change. Truth comes through His Word. Freedom comes through His Word. Joy comes through His Word. Perspective comes through His Word. Yet, despite all of its benefits, it often does not interact with everyday life.
I have experienced in my life the beauty of God’s Word as I have spent time reading, studying, and meditating upon it. I know that it encourages me and impacts my attitudes about life. I know that it blesses me even when it challenges me to change. And, I believe that God promises to reward those who pursue Him through His Word with stability, fruitfulness, and blessings (Ps 1; Hebrews 11:6). But there is more.
Verse 13 calls us to find ways not just to soak in His Word behind closed doors, but to get it out into the public arena. That is the challenge, but therein lies the reward.
One of the reasons I love Groundwire is it gives me expression to verse 13. I get to proclaim God’s goodness in the public arena using mainstream media. Some people that hear the commercials agree with me and are living according to God’s plan. Many are not. But, I am fully convinced that God’s truths will benefit their lives, so we share. Not just behind closed doors, but anytime and anywhere possible. If tens of thousands happen to hear it on their favorite radio station…even better.
Last week, I found myself reading out of I Timothy and remembered how much a few of these verses meant to me when I was growing up. Two of the first verses I ever memorized are buried in this amazing chapter. I thought I would share some thoughts about them over the next few days.
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” I Timothy 4:12
The truth in this scripture always offered courage and confidence to stand up. It reminded me (and still does today) to live authentically before Christ without worrying about what others think. Even though pressure may come to conform, to fit in, or to cut some corners, I took this as a mandate to live by conviction instead of convenience.
But, there was one other thing that always stands out to me is the language “set an example for the believers”. I always thought I was supposed to live a visible faith in front of those who do not believe or strive to walk with Christ. But, this scripture is clear. I am to set an example for others who are walking with Jesus. Those that do have faith. My example is not just for the non-believer and the prodigal, but for those who are walking with Christ and following the scriptures. That includes all people. All ages. All levels of maturity. And, all levels of passion.
My life is a testimony of what God is doing in my life. Doesn’t mean I am perfect, but it means that I am focused heavenward and in love with the One who loved me first.
Sometimes I need to remember that I am called to set an example for believers, but that doesn’t put pressure on me to perform my faith. Instead it pushes me to live closer to Jesus with a stronger awareness of His presence. When I do that, I got nothing to be ashamed of. And, I fulfill this scripture.
Groundwire is launching its new TV initiative. You can check out our first commercial at
www.groundwire.net/TVCommercial.