^“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”              2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)

When the colder weather began to set in this year, my husband prepared by cutting, splitting, and stacking wood for our fireplace. I am so glad he did because one of my favorite things to do in the evenings is to sit next to a warm, cozy fire. 

There is talent to getting a good fire going and keeping it going. My husband has that talent … I do not. It seems to me one minute the fire is ablaze and then before you know it, the flames have become mere embers that need to be stirred to rekindle the flames. 

My husband will get a strong fire going and closely tend it  – constantly adding more wood or stoking it as needed. He also makes sure our supply of firewood is plentiful so he can keep the fire going all winter long.

On the occasion that he takes his focus away from the fire, I quickly to let him know when it begins to dwindle. As the flames start to diminish, I tell him to “throw another log on the fire.”

In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Paul is writing to Timothy reminding him to rekindle the flame of God within him – to use his God-given talents. Just like those warm winter fires that I love, our talent and the flames of our faith can diminish or become “timid.” We need to remember to rekindle our spirit, so we don’t become dormant in our Christian service. 

As we learn in 2 Timothy, the Spirit of God gives us power. The power to be bold, not timid. We are meant to shine brightly in this world and to be diligent, tending to the flames of our faith. 

During this winter season, it is tempting to hibernate and become dormant. As you find yourself cozied up to a fire remember to “throw another log on the fire.” As you rekindle that physical fire, be sure to constantly “fan into flame [your] gift[s] of God.”

The world needs the warmth and glow of our Christian service now more than ever.