Reflection: God-given Gifts
2 Timothy 1:6-7 KJV
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Starting at 2 Timothy chapter 1 verse 6, apostle Paul reminds Timothy to stir up and, or further ignite the gift of God that is in him. This encouragement of remembering one’s gift from God proves that the gifts God gives us are important. Our God-given gifts should not be ignored or overlooked. Akin to a pirate’s desperate search for buried treasure, God desires for us to discover and explore the treasures He placed in us. Fortunately, we do not have to rely on a mediocre treasure map to unearth God’s gifts in us. We, believers, have our comforter the Holy Spirit. All our gifts need to be discovered, explored, and used with and through the Holy Spirit’s guidance for advancing the kingdom. Any attempt in using a gift without the Holy Spirit is vain glory stroking our egos and validating our preferences. We are children of the most high living God, and we have God-given gifts to further His kingdom. In Timothy’s case, the gift Paul referenced was given to Timothy by the laying on of hands. This means that Timothy’s gift was given to him by the Holy Spirit. Whether inherent or acquired in life before or after following Christ, all gifts we have are God-given. Thus, our gifts can only be fully realized with the Holy Spirit.
In verse 7, apostle Paul reminds Timothy that God gives us a spirit of power, love, and sound mind. This reminds Timothy that fear is not from God. Fear can hinder us from discovering and using our gifts from God. Fear is an obstruction the enemy uses to kill steal and destroy us. Fear creates delay, stagnation, and backwardness. Fear has no place in us. We must receive the truth and reality of the spirit of power, love, and sound mind God gave us through Christ to banish fear from our heart, soul, and mind. Through Christ Jesus, we have the power to stand fiery trials. Through Christ Jesus, we have love to give our enemies when they reward us with evil for good, and hatred for our love (Psalm 109:5 KJV). Through Christ Jesus, we have the wisdom, self-control, discipline, and peace to remain confident, poised, and steadfast in our faith. Remaining loyal to the gospel by sharing what our Lord and Savior did for us. Refrain from recoiling in shame, we are to cultivate and display our God-given gifts to advance the kingdom and increase faith in others.
