“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
1 Timothy 4:14
Let me ask you something: Have you ever received a gift… and never opened it? Maybe it got set aside, or you just weren’t sure what to do with it. I don’t remember ever not opening a gift given to me, but I do recall some gifts that I wasn’t sure what to do with. Here’s the truth—a gift left unopened or not used is still a gift, but it doesn’t help the giver, the receiver, or anyone else.
In Acts 20:35, the apostle Paul shares a powerful quote he attributes to Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Funny enough, that quote doesn’t appear in any of the four gospels. But think about it—Jesus said and did far more than what was written down. And this saying? It fits perfectly with who He is. Jesus was a giver—of love, truth, healing, and ultimately, His life.
And that brings us back to the verse we started with from 1 Timothy. Paul tells young Timothy not to neglect his gift. In other words—don’t leave it sitting on the shelf. Open it. Use it. Let it bless others.
Think of it this way: a clock is meant to tell time. A golf club? It’s made to play 18 holes. A sewing machine? It’s designed to make something useful—or beautiful. And your spiritual gifts—things like leadership, prayer, encouragement, prophecy, wisdom—these aren’t decorations. They’re not just nice-to-haves. They’re given by the Holy Spirit on purpose and for a purpose—to glorify God and build up His Church.
Now here’s something you may not have thought about: all throughout Scripture, God never just gives for the sake of giving. He gives so that we can participate in His work. Look at what Moses says in Exodus 35:10: “All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded.” In other words—if God has given you the skill, the gift, the ability—then it’s time to get to work. Back then, they were building the Tabernacle, the place where God would dwell with His people. Today? We’re building lives, communities, and ministries where people can still encounter the living God.
God has entrusted each of us with the mission to make and multiply disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe. And He hasn’t left us empty-handed. The Holy Spirit equips us with gifts—real power and purpose—that are meant to be used. They’re not trophies to admire. They’re tools to activate the flame-fanning power of the Holy Spirit!
One of the spiritual giants of early Methodism, Bishop Francis Asbury, once said: “My desire is to live more to God today than yesterday, and to be more holy this day than the last.” That’s the heart of someone who understood that spiritual gifts aren’t for sitting still. They’re meant to grow, to stretch, to reach further than yesterday.
So here’s my encouragement to you today: Don’t neglect your gift. Don’t assume someone else will use theirs so you don’t have to. Be ready. Be open. Put your gift into action—and just watch what God can do through you.
Thanks for joining me today. If this devotion encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone else. And remember—you’ve been given a gift. It’s time to open it.
Until next time, I’m Pastor Steve. Walk boldly in the Spirit today.
