Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
1 Timothy 4:14-15
Far too often, individuals don’t live to be the person they were created to be. Life’s difficult moments, destructive habits, errant beliefs, uncertain purposes and more guide people in a direction they were never meant to walk – if they let it.
God has created each of us for purpose and with intrinsic value. With almost 8 billion people in the world, we can feel lost in a sea of humanity. Yet, each of us has our own unique DNA and fingerprints … that tells me God has made us uniquely. And, He never makes mistakes.
In this passage in 1 Timothy 4, Paul is exhorting young Timothy to remain true to living the life God created for Him. He exhorts to not forget what was spoken over him and to diligently move forward, constantly growing into the man God created Him to be.
As I read this passage, I am struck by several truths.
- The attributes God gave us to fulfill His purposes on this earth are His gift to us – and then to the world. We must not cast our gifts aside but use them to their fullest.
- God has spoken purpose over our lives. Our response is to live it out.
- Our focus must remain on His mission. We must not be distracted by cheap trinkets, nor flit around from one thing to the next. Remain diligent.
- Don’t be half in and half out. Jump all in with God and His purposes for your life – without hesitation.
- Keep moving forward in His mission and your naysayers and doubters will see the glory of God in your life.
We have one life. How will we choose to spend our days, our resources, our time and our talent? May it be said of us that we did not neglect the gifts God gave us to fulfill His mission on this earth. Truly, it’s the only way to live!
May we continue to live…
Rooted in Him,
