Gifting

2nd Timothy 1:6a “For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you…”



The holidays are upon us. We run around in a frenzy worrying about what gift to give who, how we are going to pay for it and what will we do if Aunt Martha gives us another of her “special” fruitcakes. In essence, the time of celebration becomes a time of worry and concern.



But we need to stop the frenzy and remember the gifts that God has given us. We live in a time of Gospel Illiteracy and Spiritual Malnutrition. For those of us who grew up in an earlier tradition, we may not remember not knowing about Jesus or the Nativity, but there are whole generations who only know Christmas as a time to shop and get gifts.



We have been given a gift that needs to be shared. As the church ages it, we need to be aware that the new people coming in may not know about Christ, and it is up to us to teach.



When people come into the church, they first need fed and nourished, not put to work. We as a church need to be willing to teach and help the younger generations to grow in Christ. We have been given the gift of experience and knowledge and wisdom.



To all of us who have some age on us, this is a reminder that our job is just getting started, our call has been given, and Paul is reminding us that we have a gift that needs to be shared.



If you are worried about the gift you can give to those around you, give of the knowledge and love you have for the church. Help the younger generations grow and know Christ, so that when they are where you are, they can lead the next generation.



We have all been called to be the gift, it’s time to answer that call.



Amen