Read 2 Timothy 1:7.
Timothy was apparently a timid man that needed to be exhorted not to be controlled by his timidity, but instead by the One who was really behind the gift. In contrast to timidity, Timothy is told to use his gift with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
On Sunday, Pastor Craig shared that our gifts are infused or embedded with God’s power. If we were to rely solely on our own strength and power, one might understand a timid approach to serving. But as it is, God’s power works when we are obedient and faithful to use our gifts in the service of His kingdom. Remember, they are spiritual gifts, not human gifts. As such, the power is not bound by our physical limitations, but freed through the miraculous power of God through the Holy Spirit.
Craig also shared that the use of our gifts is to be balanced with love. They are to be motivated by love for God and others (note 1Cor. 13 where this chapter on love is written in the context of spiritual gifts). Whenever we serve, as Craig reminded us, it is always to be about God and others first, and not a means of self-promotion. (I am reminded of this personally when it comes to the Music Ministry and playing our respective instruments.)
And lastly, gifts are to be used with self-control or discipline. In other words, we are to make wise use of our gifts. We must exercise sensitivity and wisdom. One is not to merely do the work of God, but one must know how to effectively use it. We will not, for example, teach a 5 year old about the hypostatic union of Christ. Likewise, we will not park on the fundamentals with someone who is able to understand and grow in the deeper matters of faith (i.e. “milk” vs. “meat”, cf. Heb. 5:13). A certain amount of self-control and sensitivity is needed when sharing our gifts with others.
To consider:
Have you ever been timid or lacked confidence with the use of your gifts? Actually a lack of self-confidence is not always a bad thing because it means we need to rely on God more. The greater question is whether we will exercise faith and use our gifts despite a lack of self-confidence. Thank God that He is the One doing the work through weak vessels!
How about your motivation to serve? Consider how you are serving others in the Family of God. Is it because of your love for God and those you serve that you are doing the work?
And when it comes to serving with wisdom and sensitivity, is the way you serve appropriate for the recipient of your services?