“Do not neglect the gift that is in you…” (1Tim 4:14)

Each born again child of God has a deposit of the Holy Spirit in his heart. This is a basic doctrine. He also has at least one spiritual gift so he can serve his Lord. This gift is given by the Holy Spirit for the glory of God and for the benefit of the brethren. If you are a child of God, you shall give an account to God for the gift He has given to you. It is your duty to stir the gift in you, to use it, to manifest it and not to neglect it.

We are commanded not to neglect the gift deposited in us. God’s command is to be obeyed. To neglect a gift it means to be careless with it, to disrespect it, to fail to use it or to appreciate it. It also means to be bored or un-excited about it; to refuse to acknowledge it or to praise God for it. A neglected gift remains dormant like a seed ‘planted’ on the hard pavement. It has no roots and to fruits. There is great potential in the gift but it remains barren. if you neglect your gift you give the impression that God has not blessed you with anything special. You look like a prince that has no food to eat. People know that you are a christian but that there is ‘something wrong’ with you.

What is the effect of neglecting your spiritual gift? Because the gift is like a tool to work or weapon to fight with, a neglected gift makes you poor and afraid. You observe that, with all your hard labor, you are still poor. This poverty is mysterious. You do not experience supernatural ‘open doors’. There is no breakthrough in your life. “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men” (PV 18:16). You shall be surrounded by ordinary men, poor men who are not able to help you. A strange anxiety follows you like a shadow. When you pray, God will not answer. God will direct your attention to your neglect of His investment in you. Repent and pray to be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit! Then go and use your gift! Immediately your life will change to better and testimonies shall follow! In Jesus’ name, amen!

What is the solution? The opposite of neglect it means to lovingly care for the gift, to patiently invest in others until you see fruits, until you see it multiplication of testimonies. Please remember that the gifts of God are not for personal fame or wealth. They are tools for service. Pride is another hindrance in using your gifts. Humble yourself! Do not compare your gift with others. Use what God has given to you and see the results!

If you use it, God receives the glory for your gift. The Body of Christ shall benefit from your gift. This is the sure way of holy success. God shall reward you for your faithfulness. Great men shall help you. Prosperity shall follow you.Truth is simple but truth is also deep. May truth be merciful to you and set you free!

Let’s pray: Dear heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus, Your Son and my Lord. I ask for forgiveness for the sin of neglecting the wonderful gift you have invested in me. Have mercy on me, Father. I repent of my sin. I turn away from my sin. I come to You. Fill me Holy Spirit. Help me to stand in Your name and manifest the gift You have given me. I dedicated all the success of ministry to You, Father God. All glory goes to You! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

(In the picture you see a neglected dog who was adopted by a family and cared for him and loved him back to life. This is a picture of a neglected gift that can be stirred back to life. Do you see the difference?)