Our text for today’s meditation is one of many exhortations which Paul gave to his ministry son, Timothy. He advised him not to neglect his gift. That warning was sounded because it is possible to neglect it. If it was possible for Timothy, it is also possible for us today. Remember how I neglected the gift of airtime for two weeks! Neglecting spiritual gifts have much heavier consequences. Those who do not operate their gifts either due to lack of discovery or sheer dereliction to duty will invariably rob the Body. We understand that the body of Christ is maintained by the contribution of every joint. Failure to use your gift, therefore, means you are weakening the overall health of all.

“Neglecting spiritual gifts have much heavier consequences. Those who do not operate their gifts either due to lack of discovery or sheer dereliction to duty will invariably rob the Body. “

Furthermore, those who are not using their gifts rob themselves as well. Our fulfillment as individuals is tied to the contribution we make towards sustaining the house. There is a feeling of satisfaction that goes with seeing that one’s effort is adding to the welfare of all. Such feeling will be lost when we sit idly by doing nothing. The vaster importance of using our gift is that our eternal reward is tied to it. In Matthew 25, we have the parable of the talent. Three individuals were given five talents, two talents, and one talent respectively. The first two put theirs to work and had hundred percent turnover. At the return of the master, they earned a promotion each. However, the last man did nothing with his talent and was roundly condemned. Knowing that commendation or condemnation will stem from the use of our talents or lack of it calls for a more conscientious approach to how we see spiritual gifts.