Rekindle the Flames

Who hasn’t wanted to give someone a nudge in order to get them to move in the right direction? The idiom ‘light a fire under them’ applies. Maybe your teenager was stalling instead of doing homework assignments or your spouse neglected to do home repairs.

It’s easy to get annoyed if you’re in a place of authority. As employer or committee chairperson, you expect others to fulfill their responsibilities. The problem lies in finding how to spur them into action.

Apostle Paul, as mentor and father in the faith, addressed Timothy with words of challenge. It seems that Paul found Timothy lagging behind in service.

“Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:6-8 HCSB).”

I sense that Timothy was allowing his empowering fire of witness to burn out. Paul firmly directed him to stir up the gift; to rekindle the flames of faithfulness and ministry.

LORD, I want to be your witness. Light my fire!