For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 2:6
When Paul issues this encouragement, he is reminding Timothy that his "laying on of hands" meant a setting apart had taken place not a magical transferring of powers from one person to another.
I remember when I was ordained. It was a great day and a turning point that had with it a certain level of accountability. Pastor Marc said, "it just makes sense to become a Deacon since you already do the work of the church anyway" but I was just being me without any thought about "public office." The Lord had grown me up, called me out, set me on a path of love for His church and a love for doing the work of the ministry. I don't remember any special feeling of empowerment coming on me as the already ordained deacons came through the line and prayed over me. I was not able all of a sudden to stop bullets or leap tall buildings in a single bound! The ceremony where I was formally and publicly "set apart" was just for that - to simply set me apart.
Did you know that we've all been set apart? We, the followers of Christ, have been set apart from the world. We have all been "ordained" to do the work of the church and the ministry. We have never had to be formally or ceremonially put into motion to live out the gift that we have been given. The encouragement to fan into flame the gift of God which is in us, does not always come with a fancy title or designation but it is none the less the call for all of us. You see, the gift is the salvation that comes only from God Himself. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit that will never leave. It is the opportunity of our life's time, to spread the Light of the World to the lost world around us on a daily basis!
It may only take the spark of an initial event like the day you received Christ to ignite an ember but it takes a diligent effort to turn that ember into a flame. Jesus, Himself, said - as quoted in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others,that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." So, like Paul, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you!
- Pray for opportunities to share with someone today be it long and lengthy or short and sweet.
- Pray for Pastor Floyd, Pastor Clayton and Pastor Isaias as they have been formally set apart to vocationally do the work of the church and ministry.
- Pray for the additional Ministry Directors and church ministry volunteers as they seek to lead the church.