POWER… LOVE… SOUND MIND. 2nd Timothy 1:7 Behind the gift God has given us is the expectation that we will faithfully use it to fulfill our responsibilities. God provides us with the ability to do whatever He calls us to do, so fear does not come from Him. Fear can sometimes be a form of doubt and is at least a result of relying on the flesh to do spiritual work. That does not come from God. In contrast to fear are the things the Holy Spirit supplies. "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you," and that same Spirit is with us today. "The love of Christ constrains us" comes from divine love that has been "shed abroad in our hearts." The discipline that restrains and constrains us is still at work, making any effort to do the will of God effectively and properly possible for us to accomplish. I remember the first time the light of life truly became real to me, when I wanted others to know I was saved. I recall the moment I prayed with concern, asking if I was ready and willing to do what God wanted. I can also recall the times when the Word of God began to bring real light into my soul and became a living word to me. I remember the desire to teach the younger ones in the Sunday School class the way of salvation, and I was asked to lead a class of junior high school students. That brought me great joy! I also remember the first time I went door to door giving out tracts on a Sunday afternoon, and the first door I knocked on, the man said, “Judas when and hanged himself. Go and do thou likewise.”
I remember the first time I gave out hymn #129 at a prayer meeting after Uncle Ed encouraged me to go ahead. The first time I gave thanks at the Lord’s Supper, I was so nervous that my voice trembled, and I nearly cried, but after the meeting, Mrs. Mulholland said it truly helped the worship service. I recall the first soul I led to Christ and the call to Newfoundland, then to preach the Gospel full-time. When I think about how God has guided me all along, I am challenged today to “STIR UP THE GIFT OF GOD THAT IS IN THEE!”
I often thank God, saying, “Thanks so much, O Gracious Father, for giving me a memory.” It would be terrible not to be able to remember how God has been with me. I recall how my father thanked God for a “sound mind.” I didn’t realize at the time that those words meant much more to him. He desired it deeply, and I thank the Lord for allowing him and my mother to retain a clear mind nearly until the end of their lives.
The gift that God gave me almost defies the descriptions in the Bible because, although I want to preach the Gospel effectively, it often takes a lot of preaching to see results. I give thanks and glory to God for every soul saved. The desire to see Christians grow is also on my heart, though I admit I’m not very good at it. Maybe that’s for the best because I know myself well enough to realize I might take some credit. The young people are really heavy on my heart, and I’m unsure how my gift in this area can be stirred up.
I have grandchildren, and I don’t want them to drift downstream but to head toward the Headwaters where the Living Water is fresh, pure, and refreshing to a lukewarm generation that prefers tepid Christianity. I long for young men and women to desire and claim abundant life! I wonder if part of this gift could be used to help the next generation experience the energizing power and joy that come from doing God’s will. If so, I want to activate it immediately.
Most people fear rejection, opposition, and ridicule, especially those who live where deception, compromise, and lying are common. We need to remember that “God has not given us the spirit of fear,” but we have the power to overcome difficulties through the Holy Spirit's strength. By His grace, we are also empowered with love for those who are not always lovely or lovable. There is power in a sound mind that enables us to exercise good judgment, make wise decisions, and maintain the self-control needed to do what God desires in our service for Him.