2 Timothy 1:6-7 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 the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Paul’s relationship with Timothy was tender and sweet, and an inspiration to many. Church history tells us that Timothy indeed went on to become everything Paul desired for him, as an extremely respected teacher, though he didn’t leave many writings. We don’t know what spiritual gift Paul is referring to here, but my guess is that it was prophecy, since it does take boldness to speak out what God is saying. However, this could apply to any of the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, or in Romans 12, for that matter. The point is that spiritual gifts are to be exercised and used in obedience to God, and not just left on the shelf, so to speak. Jesus’ famous parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) speaks directly to this. God gives us gifts, but it is up to us to choose to use them. Paul said that explicitly in 1 Corinthians 14:32: “The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.” That needs to be remembered particularly in the area of the gift of tongues. Some call it “ecstatic speech,” implying that it is just an emotional outburst. Sometimes the person speaking is emotional, but just as often they are not. I have a friend who declined to receive that gift because he wanted God to move his mouth, not understanding that God gives the words, but we have to choose to speak. Precisely the same thing may be said of prophecy. The connection might not be as obvious with some of the other gifts, but human will is still involved. And, like almost any activity, the more we use a gift, the better we are at it. It might seem strange to speak of “being skillful” at prophecy or speaking in tongues, since the source must be the Holy Spirit, or they are counterfeit, but we become relaxed in them, freely trusting God to work His will through us and so being more available to Him.

I well remember the first time I exercised the gift of tongues, and how hours before that I had experienced unknown words running through my mind, but I didn’t choose to speak. Months later I entered a Southern Baptist seminary, and I gradually stopped using the gift for a few years. Now, I think I pray in tongues just about every day, and sometimes many times in a day, but I don’t do it for others to hear, but rather to deepen my communication with my Lord. Prophecy is an area where I have been used before, but haven’t been much recently. I think God may be wanting to change that. A recent surprising discovery is my joy in being used in evangelism. God arranged an appointment yesterday with an older woman and her son, and I delighted to share the Gospel with them, explaining the triune nature of man, body, soul, and spirit, as well as the Trinity of God, and I was also able to express my anticipation of heaven. I felt that God directed every moment of that conversation, but I had to be willing to initiate it and let Him use me. Evangelism is a gift I have said God didn’t give me! As a pastor, I want every believer in this church to recognize and exercise the gifts God has given them, for their great blessing and God’s glory.

Father, thank You for this strong reminder. Thank You for that delightful experience yesterday. It was worth the dizziness and nausea that had taken me to that doctor’s office in the first place! Help me exercise the gifts You have placed in me, and encourage the believers to do likewise, so that all of Your purposes for us may be accomplished, on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!