24th December, 2025
A Fountain Publication
The Lodestar
Online Magazine for the Thinking Christian
Devotional
Serve with Power, Love, and Self-discipline
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:6—7).
By Paulson Pulikottil (www.paulsonp.net)
Paul wrote this letter towards the end of his life to his young colleague Timothy, who will continue the ministry by caring for the churches they founded. Paul advises Timothy to remain faithful and continue his example in faith and ministry.
To emulate Paul in his life and ministry, Timothy does not need any more spiritual gifts; he has all he requires to serve God and God’s people. But he must “fan to flame” what he has already received. An ember would slowly die and grow cold if not fanned to flame. Similarly, spiritual gifts given to us for service will die if not used regularly and properly.
The master condemned the person who buried the talent, but those who multiplied what they were entrusted with were honoured and trusted with more (Matt 25:14—30). Similarly, the Lord endowed spiritual gifts to us (1 Cor 12) to serve others and help them grow in faith and maturity. If we fail to use them, we fail to serve others, and the gifts may be taken away.
Some fear using the gifts of the Spirit they are given. But this contradicts the very nature of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of “power, love, and self-discipline.” On the contrary, “fear” describes a person fleeing the battle. A follower of Christ empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit should not flee but keep fighting and advancing.
The first step in using the gifts of the Spirit given to us is to realise its inherent power. The second is to love the people we serve so that we cannot withhold using it to serve them. Third, it requires self-disciple, a life structured according to God’s will.
For example, a person with the gift of healing (1 Cor 12:9) should not shy away from sick persons but boldly offer to pray, disregarding the medical probability of healing. That is advancing boldly. We can take that bold step only if we love those persons and seek their well-being. It takes self-discipline and re-ordering our personal lives to be there for them and pray for them.
It is time for many of us to discover what gifts the Holy Spirit has given us and use them to benefit others before the ember dies out.
Share this Article
Advertisements
Explore More on The Lodestar
The Ripple Effect of Kindness and the Biblical Law of Sowing and Reaping
Discover how quiet, selfless kindness creates a lasting ripple effect in relationships, reflects the biblical law of sowing and reaping, and builds resilient, grace-filled communities rooted in God’s...
Costly Peace: How Christmas Reveals the Price Christ Paid to Reconcile Us to God
Christmas promises peace amid chaos, but true shalom demands a price. Discover how Christ’s manger birth points to the cross, reconciling us to God by conquering sin. Unwrap the costly gift of peace...
God’s Table of Grace: Welcome, Healing, and Radical Hospitality
The article explores God’s radical grace, inviting the broken and excluded to his table of fellowship, healing, and transformation. It highlights Christ’s inclusive ministry and the church’s call to...
Subscribe to our free weekly digest.
Join hundreds of others who have subscribed to our free weekly digest for inspiring news, faith, community, family, opinion, and culture content. Stay connected and nurture your spiritual growth with thought-provoking articles delivered straight to your inbox.
Join our growing community of readers today.