“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.” (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV)
The Holy Spirit is not, as it is sometimes described, a gift from God; it is the gift of God. As finite beings, we lack the capacity to have 100 percent of an infinite God; but we should aspire (and perspire) toward the place where God is 100 percent within us. In other words, His will is our will — and we desire no other.
What corners and niches in our living are bereft of God’s holy presence?
If God’s Spirit is only an ember within us, then it is easy to see why our so-called “business” life; and our so-called “social” life; and our so-called “political” life are beyond the mere influence — let alone, the control — of the Spirit of God.
As Paul reminded his protege, Timothy, an ember easily becomes a flame when it is “encouraged.” Through prayer and practice, fan into flame (work-out) the gift that God has “worked-in.” – Luther
