SERVICE FOR OTHERS

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.  (1 Timothy 4:14-15 NKJV)

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  (2 Timothy 1:6 NKJV)

Most young people are fond of athletics and the Roman and Greek youth were especially addicted to them. The divine Spirit does not under value any of these means for keeping our physical health vigorous. But if we pay such earnest attention to these things we ought, all the more, to give attention to godliness, which disciplines the soul for eternal life. We all know what it is to discover and bring into play certain muscles of the body which we had not previously used. Are we equally diligent to discover the hidden properties and resources of the soul and spirit?

Timothy was gifted in various ways, but especially for public ministry; and in this epistle and the next, the Apostle bids him stir it up, i.e. stir into flame (marginal note). The fire may be well provided with coal, the heat and light may be present, but the poker needs to be used to let in the air. We may have gifts, but we must carefully practice the duties in which they can be used for the benefit of others. It is beneficial to us all to give ourselves the duties which lie immediately to our hands, not shirking or running away from them. We mustn’t give part of our thought and care to our appointed tasks, but give our whole selves. What our hands find to do must be done with our might. Just as men build arches of brick over slight structures of wood, and when these are taken away the substantial material remains, so in the passing duties of an hour we are building up habits and character which will live for ever. What we do is comparatively unimportant, but how we do what we do is all important. We must always be on guard, always on the alert, for we have in our hands the interests of others as well as our own (1 Timothy 4:16).

The grace of God can so reveal itself in a young man or girl, that he or she will become an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

PRAYER

Prosper us, O God; we pray You, in all that we put our hands to. May our hearts be filled with Your love, our lips with gentle, helpful words, and our hands with kind, unselfish deeds. May Your Holy Spirit direct and rule our hearts in all things.   In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #184:
All of mankind can find protection in the shadow of My wings.

Psalm 36:7 (WEB)
How precious is your loving kindness, God!
The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings.