but by Grace

THIS DAY’S TEXT

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…

2 Timothy 1:6-8 (ESV)

THIS DAY’S REFLECTION 

Paul wrote the second letter to Timothy in prison, in the light of his imminent execution and death. Paul started out his second letter to Timothy by encouraging him to persevere amidst suffering for the cause of the Gospel of Christ.

This theme of endurance amidst trials and sufferiengs is built upon the ability of Timothy on “fanning into flame” the gifts of God to him. We know that when the Bible talks about gift, these are the talents and skills God has endowed to us. But Timothy had even bore a greater gift, that is being a pastor or a shepherd as evidenced by Paul’s laying of hands unto him.

We all have a gift. We all have unique abilities, unique talents. Some are good in math, some are in speech, while others in arts. These are the traits Paul calls Timothy to “fan into flame”. Yet, more than that, Timothy bears with him the Gospel of Christ. Fanning into flame for Timothy means to leverage his talents, skills and ablities for the cause of the Gospel of Christ.

Paul even made a startling contrast that in “fanning into flame” the gifts we have, we have to understand that what should envelop us is not the spirit, the thought, the feeling of fear, brought by seemingly hard task ahead, but rather the spirit of power, love and self control. Three things that will disicpline us as we “fan into flame” our gifts. And all these Paul knew are the reason why no one should be ashamed of the Gospel and testimony of Christ Jesus.

Hence, fanning into flame, means from a spark of fire, you fan it, you fuel it, you make it grow, you make it light, you make it shine. God’s desire is for us to see that His gifts, the talents, the skills and abilities we have are fully realized. God never intends anyone of us to live in the spirit of fear, fear of the future, fear of the difficulties ahead. But rather, God wants us to see that the future is a fully burning flame, when you have the fire, the flame, the light in your heart which is CHRIST.

So, if you are someone bearing the Gospel of Christ, fan the flame now. And, if you are someone who has not had the fire, the Gospel of Christ. I believe now is the time.