There is a difference between gift and skill, though the two combine to dictate what a life turns out to be. Essentially, gifts are imparted. We do practically nothing to obtain the gifts. If we work for them, they cease to be gifts. Skills come under a different consideration. To hone your skill, it will require tutorial, training, and practice. That takes time and effort. There is a sense in which one can say that gift is deceptive. We know that the gift of God is without repentance. To that extent, one could be in the wrong and still be effective in the expression of the gift of God. The church at Corinth manifested every conceivable gift, but their lifestyle did not reflect Christ.
Good character is not a part of spiritual gifts, it is cultivated. Parents are to have the first shot at laying a solid foundation for a goodly character in their offspring…whatever we don’t want replicated by others must be avoided.
In our text, Paul was full of praise for the life of Timothy, particularly the genuineness of his faith. For Timothy, it was not just about gift; there was character to match. Timothy’s faith traced to two generations earlier, his mother and grandmother having respectively showcased what it means to walk with God. Good character is not a part of spiritual gifts, it is cultivated. Parents are to have the first shot at laying a solid foundation for a goodly character in their offspring. Unconsciously, parents and role models are constantly transmitting values through what they say and do. The rule of engagement should be that whatever we don’t want replicated by others must be avoided.
