Fan into Flame

2 Tim. 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 hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

 

As Paul was thinking of Timothy, he remembered the strong faith of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice and how they had trained Timothy. Still he wanted to express concern for Timothy's faith and reassure Timothy that he was praying for him often. Paul exhorted Timothy to stay true to the faith that had taken root in him, to fan into flame the gift of God. What gift? It is not specified  but whatever gift he had needed to burn brightly, not lay smoldering waiting for use later, or even worse, not used at all until the gift is extinguished.

 

The gift that God gives any believer must not lay unused until it is extinguished. How often do believers use the gifts that God has given them? How often do they use ignorance as an excuse saying I don't know my gift so I won't do anything? These verses are a strong exhortation to any believer. To fan into flame speaks of effort not idle waiting. It also speaks of care and concern. When we are fanning the flame, we are very careful that it does not go out. Why? Because God gave us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. These three things belong to all of us. So if they are a gift, why do we struggle so much in these same areas? Christians are often powerless to share the Lord, to live obedient, holy lives, to love others even family members, and to have self-control in so many areas.  Where have we gone awry? What is the problem?  Perhaps we could begin with  fanning each of these gifts into flame letting them control our lives. So, so very important!

 

Father,

Thank You for giving me power, love, and self-control. I am convicted this morning of my careless and sporadic fanning. Give me Your strength to fan consistently and vigorously. Teach me...I am so needy.

In His name,

Amen