1 Timothy 4:14-15, “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.” Unused potential is one of the saddest attributes of all.

The Germans had two powerful weapons in World War II that never repaid their investment. The Tirpitz, one of the most powerful battleships of her time, fired her eight fifteen-inch guns only to reduce shore batteries at Spitsbergen, Norway. Gustav, the largest gun ever manufactured, had to be shipped in sections on railroad cars. When assembled, it’s mounting straddled two sets of standard gauge tracks, with eighty wheels supporting it. Though it could propel a seven-ton shell twenty-three miles, the Germans only used it in the siege of Sevastopol, Russia.

When Jesus ascended to heaven, he gave gifts to His children. To some more, to others less, but to each, He gave something. He gave them for a single purpose; to be used. He loaded His people with all the armor, weaponry, and ammunition needed to live victoriously. Having done so, He now expects us to live in victory. Any refusal mocks Him and His purpose. We don’t always realize it right away when we march up to that altar to surrender to the Lord and become spiritually renewed, but when we do, we have voluntarily enlisted in the Lord’s Army. This isn’t always preached in Salvation messages and maybe it should be more often, but we enlist and are given ALL the necessary equipment to go through the battles victorious! Paul went on to say in verse 16 of I Timothy 4, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” Good words to live by.
God Bless you all richly!