“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you.” (v.14a)
God never gives a person a task without also providing him with the strength to perform it. Timothy was gifted in a variety ways, but especially for public ministry; and in this Epistle and the next, the Apostle Paul challenges him to both “stir up” his gift (v.6), and not to “neglect it” (v.14).
W. W. Dawley, referring to this truth says, “God gave Moses a rod, David a sling, Samson the jawbone of a ass, Shamgar an oxgoad, Esther the beauty of person, Deborah the talent for poetry, Dorcas a needle, and Apollos an eloquent tongue—and to each the ability to use their gift. As a result, each one of them did effective works for the Lord.”
Likewise, our heavenly Father has given at least one spiritual gift to each of us as believers, and provides us with all we need to complete the task as well (1 Cor. 12:6). Therefore, I encourage you to seek Him in prayer as to both your gift and where He is calling you to use it.
We are all essential in the body of Christ (vv.14-27) and there is much work to be done. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, stir it up, and use it for His Glory.
The Truth: "There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:6-7)
