“I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:3-7 (NAU)
Even though spirituality is a hot topic and everyone seems interested in angels, our post-modern society lacks joy. External knowledge and superfluous experience does not produce or guarantee enthusiastic joy. The Prophet Daniel was told by his interpreter (12:4), “knowledge will increase.” And we certainly live in an era when knowledge is exploding exponentially, but knowledge alone doesn’t bring us enthusiastic joy in the biblical sense of joy.
Is it possible that we are living in a rut, which we call normal living? How do we get out of this discontented rut? Timothy’s pastoral mentor suggests the answer. He wrote, “kindle afresh the gift of God.” For Paul, three ingredients are essential. Prayer. Memory. Enthusiasm. Pray for self and others that spiritual passion will burn hot. Remember and consider godly examples of zealous faith. And shake ourselves. Renew the passion of God’s gift. Blow the dust of apathy off our lives. Change our perspective. “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” Get a fresh taste of the gift of God, which is in us.
Dear Father, thank you for your gift to me through Jesus Christ my Lord. O Lord, deliver me from the boredom of spiritual apathy. Grant to me the determination to stir up my enthusiasm for God’s gift. Enable me to kindle it and maintain a constant enthusiasm for Christ. I pray this in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his gift of Jesus Christ and live in enthusiastic joy,
Pastor Smith