Stir it Up!

 August 23, 2023

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —II Timothy 1:6-7 

In 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks of the gifts of the Spirit as special abilities God offers to Christians enabling them to serve the Church effectively. Preaching, teaching, hospitality, encouragement, healing, etc. are what we usually think of when a Christian talks of spiritual gifts. This however, isn’t what Paul has in mind here. I’ve often quoted this verse to those who are fearful of all that’s happening in our world or in their lives. We love the thought that God has given us power, love, and a sound mind.

What we often forget is that Paul precedes this statement with this one:

“I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

God has given us these wonderful gifts of power, love, and a sound mind, but it’s our responsibility to “stir them up.” We cannot simply claim these three qualities; they must be cultivated through prayer, the reading of Scripture, worship, fellowship, service. Not one of these character traits can simply be received. Power (ie. strength) only comes through the discipline of exercise, spiritually or physically. Love can’t just be handed to you on a platter. It only grows as it is tested. A sound mind is developed through diligent study and weighing of facts and opinions.

We all like gifts; we don’t necessarily like the hard work of stirring them up, but that’s the job God has given us along with the gift. He gave it, we must develop it. Let’s get to work!