Don't Neglect the Gift
Neglect 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
Have you ever been in a church service
where you witnessed people speaking words of encouragement over each other and
laying hands on them? When the elders of the church came together, prayed and
spoke over people they would lay hands on them to commission them for service.
This is what a presbytery service looks like.
The first time I saw this was many years
ago and it was a bit strange then but very intriguing to me. The words were
“prophetic”, they built up the individuals they were spoken too and many of the
people smiled, wept and were captivated by these divine moments. It was
uplifting to everyone in the service because God was speaking and His power was
being poured out.
Paul was talking to young preacher
Timothy in this setting, counseling him on how to move forward with his church
when seasons are tough and people are difficult to deal with. As someone who
has been in ministry for 35 years, I can say that there were many times I
needed such messages of inspiration spoken to me. Paul was telling Timothy that
God imparted something special when those elders laid hands on him and he
should never forget that. The words they spoke launched his ministry…and
empowered it. The power of the word is in the Word.
Wouldn’t it be encouraging to hear God
speak over you today? I believe that He still speaks to His people
today…through time in prayer, time reading His word and services like the one
we have described. The key is allowing room in your life for His presence to
fill. Set apart some time with Him and I know that He will speak to you. The
power of His Word will consume you. And most important, you’re life will be
surrendered to the grand design that He has always had for it. Maybe God has
already spoken things to you through people at your church or friends and
family. Don’t neglect what He has said. Don’t forget what was imparted to you. He planted the gift in you so that it would grow and be shared with others. Trust His leading and take that step of faith!
