Neglect Not the Gift That Is in Thee

What definite and pointed exhortations Paul gave Timothy in this chapter; and how needful they are for us even today! (1 Tim. 4:1414Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (1 Timothy 4:14).)
Perhaps the one who is reading this message does not feel he has a gift as Timothy had. Undoubtedly there was something special about Timothy's gift, for he was marked out beforehand by prophecy and was fitted of the Lord for a special place in the Church of God. Nevertheless each one of us has a gift of some kind, even if it is only to be a help. (1 Cor. 12:2828And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28).) The important thing is whether we are using it or not. In the parable of the pounds (Luke 19:12-2712He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. (Luke 19:12‑27)) we read about ten servants who each received a pound from their master. One of them used his pound well and gained ten pounds with it, another only gained five, and one of them did not use his pound at all. His life was lost—spent entirely for self—while the pound was laid up in a napkin. These things are lessons for us, and one feels how many gifts are lost to the Church of God through unfaithfulness. How much ability is spent upon the things of time and upon. laying up treasures here. It will all be loss in that day of manifestation, and what a great "bonfire" there will be when the "wood, hay, and stubble," in the lives of Christians are "tried by fire." (1 Cor. 3:12, 1312Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (1 Corinthians 3:12‑13).) May we allow our hearts to be searched by the One who knows all, as we each ask ourselves, What is my real purpose in life? Paul could say, "To me to live is Christ." Dear reader, what is your purpose? What is mine?
There are various ways in which a gift may be neglected. We have spoken of how the pursuit of earthly things may hinder its use. With Timothy it was not this. He was naturally of a timid, retiring disposition, and it was not easy for him to take any prominent part. He was inclined to sit back instead of being exercised to use his gift. Do we not find this today? Many dear young Christians are willing to let others do everything. In one passage Timothy was reminded to "stir up" his gift, and here he was told not to neglect it. We would like to pass on these exhortations to our young readers. Press on. Serve the Lord in the corner where He has placed you; whether as a help, or in giving out tracts, in teaching Sunday school, or whatever it may be, but above all "neglect not the gift that is in thee." The Lord wants to hear your voice speaking of Him, and for Him in worship and. service. (Song of Sol. 2:1414O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. (Song of Solomon 2:14).)
The last part of the verse may present a little difficulty to some. It speaks of "the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." The presbytery is the elderhood, and the laying on of their hands was simply the expression of their fellowship. For us today it means that we should seek the fellowship of older godly brethren in our service to the Lord. Do not ask them what you should do, for they cannot tell you. The Lord alone can call you -to His service, but if He has, your brethren will. recognize it (for they are to judge, 1 Cor. 14:2929Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. (1 Corinthians 14:29)) and you will have their fellowship in it. "The time is short—the laborers are few." May each of us be exercised in these things for His glory that there may be more wholehearted service for Him "till He come."
Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1949