Today’s Reading | 1 Timothy 4
Neglecting Spiritual Gifts
How could someone neglect his spiritual gift? What would one have to do in order for this to be true of him? It must have been an important issue because Paul included this admonition in his charge to Timothy in this chapter. Timothy was told many things that are obviously important. But why did Paul mention neglecting his gift? Paul knew that even someone like Timothy could fall into the trap of neglecting the gifts God had given. How? He could neglect them by not using them. He could try to do things in his human strength. He could even overlook his gifts by being distracted into doing something other than what God wanted. Timothy could neglect them by falling into sin, and not be able to use them as God had intended. He could neglect his gift by desiring a different kind of gift. He could neglect his gift by determining to use it to minister in his own way, not the way God had intended. Neglecting his gifts would hinder or even cause the failure of his ministry. Could you be neglecting the gifts God has given to you in any of these ways? Do you even know what they are? How are you using them? Is it the way God intends for you to use them?
Today’s Questions
Say What?
What spiritual gifts do you think God has given to you?
So What?
In what ways do people say you influence their lives?
Now What?
How can you make sure you do not neglect your spiritual gift(s)?
Then What?
In light of this passage, what personal commitment can you make?