“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6) NIV
When Paul wrote these words to Timothy in Ephesus a lot was going on. New and different teachings were popping up, internal challenges to church leadership were rampant, and external persecution from the Roman Empire was a very real threat. Timothy was a young, inexperienced leader faced with challenges to doctrine and church order as well as to the very existence of the church. Here Paul is reminding him of the importance of using the gifts already identified and called out in him. Paul is encouraging Timothy to start using the gifts of teaching, preaching and faith he possess.
Gifts are not given full bloom; they need to be developed through teaching and use. Waiting to get good in your gift before operating in it is a non-starter. The way you get good is to get started. A good place to do this is in the company of small groups of people like you. In this environment foundational teaching provides biblical understanding of how others in scripture operated in the gift. Also, current people who operate in the gift demonstrate how the gift manifests in the 21st Century church. Finding a safe place to grow and be free is not easy, but critical to identifying, developing and honing your gift.
Gifts don’t manifest at the same time in your life. It seems some gifts, like the tide, ebbs and flows. Some gifts are dominant in particular seasons, then recedes during others. Remember, gifts, once given, are never taken back (Romans 11:29). So if you once had it, you can stir that gift up again if needed. Similarly, if you have an unused gift, you can stir it up for use in a particular situation.
How do you stir up your gift? The Message translation renders this passage like this: “”Keep that (flame) ablaze. In another place it says, “Keep that (the gift of ministry) dusted off and in use.” These are all metaphors to help you visualize the need for you to be engaged in the process. They require you to do something. You must become an active participant in developing your gift. The Holy Spirit, in his infinite wisdom, decides your gift; you have nothing to do with it but you do play a part in its development and operation.
Most of us recognize the scripture about fan the flame or stir up your gift but are unaware of the sentence that follows. It says, “For God has not given you the spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and a spirit of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) Stated in the vernacular of today, it would read, the gifts you have are to be used…don’t be afraid, God has already shaped you with the essential traits to get the job done; the spirit of love, power and a sound mind. In other words, you can do this!
If you mistakenly think the Holy Spirit will confirm your gifting by “making” you perform in a certain way, think again. The Holy Spirit is not going to make you do anything. You must intentionally participate in your gifting.
So follow the Nike slogan and “Just Do It!
Get started even if you lack confidence.
Get started, despite the fact that you are not good at it yet.
Get started when almost paralyzed by fear.
Get started after you have done it poorly.
Dust yourself off, stand up and try again.
Say aloud, “God has not given me the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, the spirit of love and a sound mind.” NKJ
P.S. Now when you hear that scripture, remember it is talking about how you exercise your spiritual gifts…context is important