I Timothy 4:14-15

I Timothy 4

14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

A variety of passages in Scripture teach us that God gives each of us a variety of gifts. These gifts are skills and talents he gives us. Maybe you are a great musician, a gifted teacher, great with money and budgeting, an excellent listener and encourager, etc. A lot of times, we use these skills to get better jobs, to gain recognition, or to find a group of people we can ‘belong to.’ God wants us to use our gifts to build up and better the church or the body of Christ.

In this passage, Paul says do not neglect the gift you have. Don’t ignore or deny it. Sometimes we don’t acknowledge the gifts God has given us because we are afraid that means He will ask us to use them! Maybe you just aren’t sure what your gifts are. Find out!

Not only should we know and acknowledge our gifting, God wants us to be good stewards of our gifts. Verse 15 says practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Practice requires exercising your gifts in a habitual manner. Plug in and find a way to begin using your gifts, even if just in a small way at first.

Immerse yourself in them- find other people with similar gifts and watch them use their gifts well. God may not use you in the same way, but they can help encourage you through their own experience. Find environments within the body of Christ that need your gift (i.e.- if you are great with babies, go find the church nursery! If you are a good with small talk and noticing new people, help in your church’s welcome center or greeting team. If you are great at mowing your lawn, talk to your church about helping with the landscaping). Doing this will allow you to see the need and listen for the Holy Spirit’s prompting of how you can help.

Finally, the last part of 15 says so that others may see your progress. You should be improving your ability regarding those skills and talents. God wants you to be the best you can be at those things. Use your gifts for the Lord, edifying and encouraging the body of Christ.