It's a small thing. But a seed contains within it as much potential as anything you might imagine.
Within the context of the universe, each of our lives is small and of relatively little consequence. But we all contain within us great potential as well.
The seed of faith will germinate into great things wherever it is tended well. Take time now for the garden that is your life.
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.
For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:5-6
What gifts can you offer God’s world? Notice that this question assumes you have gifts to offer. It’s not a matter of wondering whether you have gifts; it’s about claiming the gifts you have and engaging them in God’s world. God has equipped you with a unique combination of personality, passions, resources, intellect, values, talents, and skills and wants you to put them into action each and every day.
There’s more to today’s passage, though. In these verses, Timothy’s gifts are recognized through the laying on of hands, meaning someone else (Paul, the writer of the passage) identified his gift for ministry. In addition to claiming our own gifts, we’re also called to identify and celebrate the gifts of others. Who are you sure to encounter today? What gifts do they offer the world? How can you tell them about their gifts?
Paul tells us not to be cowardly as we put all of our collective gifts into action. Instead, how can you serve Christ with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline?
Michael Harper
Creator God, help me to claim the unique gifts that you have given me. Work through me as I identify the gifts of others and strive to join with others to make a difference in your world. Amen.
From deep within your soul
Something beautiful is growing –
Wild and wonderful,
Fruitful and free.
Yield now to the gentle care
Of the One who watches over you,
Tending your soul with great love
And infinite confidence.