Stir Up Your Gift

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Do you have a “hidden talent?” There are things that people may do that no one knows about. Those things can be good, beneficial, or even just odd. Perhaps they do not use them because they are shy, or understand how it can be beneficial.

Do we have special gifts that are being unused for the kingdom of God? Paul told Timothy, “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).” Also, “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 (1 Timothy 4:14).” Timothy had a gift, yet should not neglect it. We all have some special gift to use in God’s kingdom (see 1 Corinthians 12), and therefore must not neglect it. Instead, we should stir it up!

As Paul gave Timothy this gift, he laid his hands on him. Comparably, in Acts 6 seven men were chosen to see about the work regarding neglected widows. When the disciples came together, they prayed for them and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:6). Similarly, Paul prayed for Timothy and laid his hands on him, blessing him in the work that he was about to do.

We will be blessed if we do the work of God, and others are praying for us. Do we have the courage to stir up our gift? We must not neglect it, but use it to glorify God and edify the body of Christ. By each of us using our talents that God gave us, the Lord’s church will grow. After all, He gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).