Stir Up the Gift You Have

Dear brother, you may not have grand dreams for your life. You may not see yourself as particularly talented, influential, or charismatic. Perhaps, like Saul of old, you feel “little in your own eyes” (1 Samuel 15:17). Yet in Christ Jesus, God has given you a gift. And just as Paul told young Timothy, God says to you today: “Do not neglect the gift you have” (1 Timothy 4:14).

You may not have the gift of preaching or teaching like Timothy did but Scripture is clear: no Christian is without a gift. Paul reminds us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10). Likewise, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6). Some are gifted to serve and give, others to help and heal, to lead and administer each in the measure the Holy Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).

Perhaps your ability feels small compared to others. Imagine having one talent instead of five. Yet in Jesus’s parable, the master does not commend the size of what was given, but the faithfulness with which it was used (Matthew 25:14–30). God’s “well done” will rest not on how much you received but on how faithfully you stewarded it.

But why do so many men (and Christians in general) neglect what God has entrusted to them? Let’s consider three common reasons and how Jesus rescues and recommissions us.

1. We Tolerate Ungodliness

Some men neglect their gift because they tolerate sin in their lives.

Before Paul tells Timothy to use his gift, he urges him to train himself for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). Ministry must flow out of maturity, not merely ability. If ungodliness laziness, lust, indifference, repeated sin lives in the believer’s life, it stifles both confidence and usefulness. How many have stood on the sidelines because they know they cannot serve with a clear conscience?

If sin has kept you on the bench, the goal is not to rush back into the game. The goal is to train yourself for godliness: read Scripture, pray, fast, confess sin, meditate, and fight the good fight. Keep a close watch on your life (1 Timothy 4:16). Christ does not save us to stagnate; He saves us to grow in holiness and service.

In Christ, godliness truly is possible. So you need not neglect your gift any longer.

2. We Have False Humility

Other men neglect their gifts because they misunderstand humility.

Some believe that humility means inaction. But Paul’s instructions to Timothy are vigorous: “Command and teach these things… set the believers an example… devote yourself to public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:11–13). This is not timid advice. Humble service often involves initiative, sacrifice, and visible engagement.

Of course, we rightly avoid pride, self-promotion, and envy (Philippians 1:15). There have always been men who use ministry to exalt themselves (3 John 9). But humility is not hiding. It is stewarding what God has given for the blessing of others.

Your gifts are grace, not achievements. When used with love and humility, active service becomes not self-exaltation but self-giving—carrying Christ’s bread to His people. We don’t multiply loaves; we simply hand them out. The glory belongs to Christ.

Yes, pride may still battle your heart. Even Paul had a thorn to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7). At times, you may need to step back temporarily for spiritual clarity. But most of the time, it’s better to use your gift and fight pride in the fire of service than to hide it and shrink from obedience.

If you are truly a steward of God’s varied grace (1 Peter 4:10), withholding your gift from others is withholding God’s goodness from them.

3. We Are Too Impatient

Some neglect their gifts because they don’t understand how much patience and practice gifts require.

Paul follows his warning with this: “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15). Your gift may be present, but it may not be fully formed. Paul doesn’t tell Timothy to wait forever but to practice patiently.

Many begin with enthusiasm, only to find that the first attempts at teaching, leading, or serving fall short of expectation. The Bible study may be quiet; the sermon may feel weak; the group may even shrink. But gifts are often like acorns, not oak trees small beginnings that grow over time.

You may wonder whether you have the gift you sensed. Only time, faithfulness, and practice will show. So get reps in. Try, fail, try again. Seek feedback. Pray earnestly. Persist in humility.

This process can be slow, discouraging, and humbling. But it is how God refines our gifts. Every step forward no matter how small is progress in faithfulness.

A Faithful Steward

Neglecting your gift is not just a missed opportunity it is a loss to Christ’s body. When the Master returns, He will commend not the size of what was given, but the faithfulness with which it was stewarded.

So let patience, obedience, and holiness shape how you use what God has entrusted to you. Fight sin. Reject false humility that excuses inactivity. Practice, even when growth is slow.

Remember: your small beginning matters. God delights in faithful stewards. And every step toward faithful use of your gift is a step toward deeper fruitfulness, stronger character, and greater glory to Christ.

When you look back, you will be grateful you chose obedience over neglect, progress over passivity, and service over self-protection.

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