Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 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; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:11-16)
Paul's letters to Timothy are different from the others he wrote. Letters like the one he wrote to the Ephesians, for example, were addressed to the whole church. But Paul's letters to Timothy were written just to him. So if it's advice for timothy, then why are we reading it? I always wondered if I had to do the things Timothy was told to do since I'm not a pastor like he was. But Paul knew more people should read this letter, so he wrote it accordingly. And God must have wanted us to read it today since it appears in the Bible. That being said, when Paul tells timothy not to neglect his gift, everyone in the church is reminded not to neglect their God-given gifts and ministries.
Reread the passage and ask God to show you how this applies to you today.
Are you neglecting you gift(s)? How?
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