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Fan The Flame
John Tilton2 Timothy 1:6-7
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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Paul encourages Tim with some metaphorical words of allowing the Spirit of the Lord come forth from him like a flaming fire; the Spirit that was seeded into Timothy b the laying of hands by Paul. Thus, Paul’s encouragement is for Timothy not to be timid about who he was in Christ based on what was seeded into him and what the call on his life was with power, love and self-discipline. I see Paul confirming and encouraging Timothy as a warrior for the Lord, passionate, intentional and equipped for battle with strength, yet gracious as needed and disciplined to stay on course.
I know that I at times I allow the daily trappings of life to diminish the fervor of my relationship and gratitude with and for Christ. It’s often not intentional, but just creeps in as I work through daily matters that we all encounter; possible because I am an anal type person … sometimes worry wart. Yet, Paul is so encouraging to remind me that Christ within me has given me power, love and self-discipline to be intentional, always ready to show and example Christ’s love and do what I am called to do in living by and serving Christ. It is like having a fan in my right hand of remembrance of all that Christ is within me; and its that fan that stokes the flame that would continue to burn in my heart, that I will in turn share that flame and fervor with others.
Dear Lord, I thank you for all that you’ve done for me and who you are in me. With that in mind Lord, may you guide me to be cognizant of the power, love and discipline I am and have in Christ to serve you with passion and life abounding from me like a fervent flame.
