View previous blogs by Jessica Thompson.

"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters…" -1 Timothy 4:14-15

Paul’s words to Timothy were pretty clear, DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR GIFT! That verse came to life for me about six years ago when I attended the Frontline Shape Workshop. At the time I felt like “yeah, we should all do our part but, what’s really the big deal about serving?” I’d never been confronted with the truth that I’ve been given unique spiritual gifts and I’m commanded to use them in service to God. In addition, I’m accountable to God for being a wise steward of those gifts and will be judged and rewarded accordingly.

The truth is that God has empowered believers to carry out His ministry. When we decide to sit on the sidelines and just let others serve not only do we affect our relationship with God, we hinder the ministry that God has called His church to do.

Have you ever put a lot of thought into a special gift for someone and after giving it to them gotten a blasé’ response? They mutter thanks and then you never see them wear it, read it, use it, or LOVE it? Maybe you even found out that they’d discarded it or re-gifted it to someone else. I wonder if that’s how God feels sometimes when I neglect my spiritual gifts. Here He has created me with specific gifts, talents, abilities, AND also given me the opportunities to use them, but I live my life focused on serving myself.

In Revelation 3:15-16 we are warned about becoming complacent. At times in our Christian walk we may sit on the fence with regards to living for Christ. We put off reading our Bibles. We don’t share our faith. We let opportunities to serve God by serving others pass us by. We let the “busy-ness” of life or the pressures and demands of our roles keep us from living a life dedicated to glorifying Christ.

But we can’t see “being a spectator” as an option. God wants us to discover how He has gifted us and then “be diligent” in using those gifts for His glory. We must be willing to chase the heart of God and serve people along the way. We must be willing to make an impact together.

Thank you Father for creating me uniquely with gifts and allowing me to serve you with them. Today I want to be used by You and not let other things get in the way. Give me passion to serve You and further Your kingdom.

If you don’t know how your gifted but want to take the first step sign up for SHAPE! Deadline is Wednesday, April 16th www.frontlinedc.com/shape