Neglect Leads to Loss

We can quickly move our down-sized “flower garden” of several potted plants for the front and back porches to catch nature’s water and protect them from freezing temperatures. The pots are manageable except for the flower-filled cast iron sink on a stand at the corner of the back porch. Sadly, we forgot to cover it when we had the first freeze. Our negligence caused it to suffer the loss of beauty for us and others.

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” 1 Timothy 4:16a

The apostle Paul encouraged his young son-in-the-faith to use wisely his God-given gifts, particularly ministry, to preach and defend God’s truth. He charged the young minister not to let anyone look down on his youth but rather be an example to other believers in his preaching, faith, love, and manner of living, and he was. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul wrote from prison reminding him to “stir up the gift of God” in him—rekindle, fan into a flame what the Lord assigned him lest his work is in vain (2 Tim 1:6). No matter the circumstances, keep the zeal for ministry glowing.

We are God’s servants called to spread the Gospel message to the world. We must know our God-given gifts, learn and exercise them, and not allow circumstances to dishearten us and douse the flame of our work for the Lord. Our new life in Christ is from God, who gave us the ministry of reconciliation; by our example and spreading the Word, we bring others to Him. Negligence on our part causes the work to suffer the loss of blessings for others and us. Does your ministry’s fire need rekindling?