To Be Your Best, Give God Your Best By Rick Warren
“Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)
When Timothy joined Paul on his missionary journey, Timothy was still a very young man. Paul sent him to a city called Ephesus to help start and lead a church. Even though Timothy struggled with fear, God used him.
Here are three lessons you can learn from Timothy about how to fulfill God’s calling on your life.
Develop the gifts God gave you.
The Bible says, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity … Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you . . . Practice these things and devote yourself to them, in order that your progress may be seen by all” (1 Timothy 4:12, 14-15 GNT).
Paul also told Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV).
As a believer, you have a lifelong responsibility to develop the talents and gifts God has given you.
Refuse to be distracted.
Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:16, “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you” (NLT).
It’s easy to get sidetracked by a desire to build your business, your family, your career, or your savings. And many people waste countless hours of their lives on the Internet and on their phones. As a follower of Jesus, you’ve got to keep the most important things in focus so you can fulfill your calling.
Give God your very best.
The Bible says, “Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you” (1 Timothy 6:12 GNT). God has called you to a specific task, and it can only be accomplished when you give it the best of your time, effort, gifts, and focus.
Paul says about Timothy, “I have no one else like Timothy” (Philippians 2:20 NLT). Can you imagine a greater epitaph? There was no one else in the world like Timothy. He was focused. He was committed to the call of God on his life. Nobody could distract or discourage him, and he gave God his best.
As you give God your best and follow his calling, God will bring out the best in you too.
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