Day at the Races: And They’re Off! — Wednesday
1 Timothy 4:13-14
Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. (NLT)
In today’s verses, we see Paul exhorting Timothy in the ways of ministering to the church and using his gifts to build up the people there. And here is some great news for us: We’ve all got gifts, too! This is for all believers, young or old. The first directive to read the Bible, encourage fellow Christians, and teach among each other is something that ALL of us can (and should) do. There is always more we can learn from Scripture, always believers who need encouragement, and always someone younger in the faith that we can build up.
But the second directive requires a bit more self-reflection and attention to God’s specific call on your life. What are your spiritual gifts? And how can you use them for the glory of God and the good of His people? It might not always look like what you think.
My dad is a preacher. I loved growing up listening to him use that spiritual gift. But even in the months or years when he’s not preaching a lot, his gift isn’t sitting on a shelf gathering dust. Instead, it comes out in other ways… like teaching children’s church, or telling bedtime Bible tales to my nephews, or captivating a single mom’s squirrelly kids for 30 minutes with a story so she can talk to the pastor.
Maybe your gift isn’t preaching or teaching, but you’re a great listener with a compassionate heart. That’s a gift to be used! Maybe your gift isn’t musical, but you’re a great cook who loves to host. That’s a gift to be used! Maybe your gift isn’t administrative, but you’re a great coach who is highly relational. That’s a gift to be used!
I could write a hundred more examples… but all of it is to say, don’t neglect your gifts! Author Alan Redpath once said that “a Christian might have a saved soul but a wasted life—but no follower of Jesus should ever be content with such a place.” It’s up to us to see how God has uniquely made us, and use our abilities to serve Him and others.
Wednesday’s Reflection
If you’re not already serving, consider using your gifts to volunteer with Southland. There are TONS of ways to use your God-given gifts here!
