“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message 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. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:14-16 (NIV)
For the last month my students and I have discussed some basic but essential elements of ministry in an online course through Lee University of Cleveland, Tennessee. It has been a challenging but exhilarating experience. No, we didn’t quote today’s passage to one another, but in our discussions, hopefully, we have mutually been challenged to hear and obey Paul’s exhortation to young Pastor Timothy.
Most of us who minister do so because we hear the call of God in our lives. Very few have ever heard or received a prophetic message when the presbytery laid their hands on us at our ordination ceremony. Perhaps this is the result of too much formality and not enough spirituality. Be that as it may, whether we are ordained clergy or not, we are gifted members of Christ’s body. Whether or not we received a prophetic message about our gifting, we are gifted members of His body. There is a gift within you and me! God has placed it there so that we can effectively serve (minister in) the Church.
So then, we should be diligent about theses matters. It is our responsibility to give ourselves wholly to exercising our gift and ministry. No one else can fill our place! The Church is handicapped without us. No, this is not haughty egotism or conceit. It is the humbly correct attitude of knowing that God has placed us in the body as it pleases Him. His placing us gives us an essential quality that must not be ignored.
Note that Paul emphasizes the public nature of our gifting and ministry. Others are watching us, so we must show progress. Others are paying attention, so we must guard our lifestyle and doctrine. Others are following our example, so we must not give up or quit. Others are listening to us, so we must understand the eternal impact our ministry has for us and them.
Dear Father, thank you for placing a call and gifting in our lives. Empower us with faithfulness and diligence in this matter. Strengthen us to give ourselves wholly to doing your will. This I pray for your glory in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in diligence and perseverance,