Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:6 (ESV)
All gifts are given by God through the Holy Spirit and meant to flow through us, not just to us. While they benefit us, they are intended to be used in service to others. God has made you to be a river, not a reservoir. He desires to flow through you. Like a muscle, if gifts are not used, they will atrophy and eventually become useless. Gifts that God gives to you have potential that lies dormant unless developed. When they are fed, they expand; when they get used, they strengthen. Consider the following seven characteristics of God’s gifts. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “use it or lose it” also applies to giftings of the Holy Spirit when he encourages us to activate them by “fanning” them.
- ASSIGNMENT ORIENTED: Gifts are given in service for a specific purpose. What gifts has God given to you, and for which vocational lane?
- CALLING ACTIVATED: Gifts begin to enlarge when used for God’s purposes. How have you seen your gifts expand with use?
- OTHERS FOCUSED: Gifts are given in service to serve others that God puts on our path. Who is it within your power to help today?
- STRENGTH: Gifts become stronger as they get used. Which gifts have you been able to strengthen through use?
- MULTIPLICATION: Gifts, when exercised, multiply into other areas of giftings as they are used in different situations. How have you seen God’s gift multiply to serve in new areas of need?
- UNLOCKED IN SEASON: Gifts will emerge in different seasons of life, maturity, and environments. What new areas of giftedness is God unlocking in you this year?
- STEWARDSHIP: Gifts are entrusted to us for service to a cause greater than ourselves. Is there a gift God has given to you that is not being put to use properly?
Kingdom leaders grow intentionally, not accidentally. Growth of our gifts comes through use and intentional personal development. Whatever you do daily will expand in your life.
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- What gifts (talents or strengths) has God given to you?
- Whom are you assigned to serve with those gifts?
- What is your growth plan for strengthening your gifts?
Motivation may get you going, but intentional learning keeps you growing.
