Anchor Devotional

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Sharpen Your Gifts

“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; … so that everyone may see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:14-15

I’ve been playing golf since middle school, so you’d think 40 years of experience would be evident! I certainly am a better golfer than when I was 13, but I might be farther along if I’d applied Paul’s words to my game, being diligent and giving myself wholly to golf to assure progress.

Of course, Paul is not speaking of anything as trivial as a golf game when he writes to Timothy, a young man to whom God had given gifts. God had foretold Timothy’s calling by prophetic utterance, and then the elders came alongside to support him as a pastor and missionary. Paul addresses all of us regarding the great gift we’ve been given: the gospel!

When you know the good news of salvation, you want to be of service in His kingdom. Perhaps you teach, or are wired to serve, or know how to organize projects, or encourage others. Maybe you have yet to discover your gifts. We each have a vital place in God’s church and are called to be of use for His glory. Stir up and sharpen your gifts, practicing and immersing yourself in whatever God has called you to do.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
1 Timothy 4:13-16

INSIGHT
Father, help us to discover our gifts for service, to use them and sharpen them, that we might fulfill our calling in Your kingdom. Amen

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Samuel 9-10
Psalm 140
Colossians 1-2

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