Keeping Ablaze Your Potential
- Elizabeth O. David
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
It was the Monday after Easter...
Considering what happened at Easter - the epic events of Friday and the cosmic work of Sunday, wh
at is the right response?
Should it be business (or busyness) as usual as we head back to work?
Surely life can never be the same.
If events such as wars can change the soul and landscape of whole nations for generations, how much more should the amazing work of redemption, foretold at creation and fulfilled in history, revolutionize and reshape how we think, live and work on Monday, and each day thereof.
Think of Timothy who had to choose a response considering all he had seen and heard.
His father was Greek but his lineage was littered with faithful Jewish women who nurtured and prepared his heart to know and receive the Messiah. The Apostle Paul then found him, discipled and commissioned him into service and admonished him to choose the right response. He said:
...That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. - 2 Timothy 1:5-7 (MSG)
Another translation says:
...I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you... (NIV)
It is the right respond to so great a work of grace!
It demands a change of posture, of attitude and of lifestyle. No indifference, negligence, complacency, but of holy zeal and fervour.
That was and still is the appropriate response, and it befits us to do the same.
Fan into flame means recognise it, exercise it, develop it and maximise it...
For the welfare of our family, neighbour and community, and especially in the context of our work and the workplace.
Here are just some ways to do that:
Encourage – Affirm the good and bring out the best in others.
Give – Provide resources willingly and generously.
Lead – Cast wise vision and direction.
Show Mercy – Offer practical compassion.
Prophesy – Communicate godly inspiration.
Serve – Provide practical assistance.
Teach – Instruct, equip and train others.
These graces will be diverse, varied and unique to each of us. Once identified, we can intentionally look for ways to use them to add value, enhance and transform cultures and communities around us, even our workplaces.
This ultimate response of a profound change of mind, heart and attitude demonstrates gratitude to God for His great and glorious gifts. And, opens up many opportunities to be 'salt and light' in our family, friendships, community and in society.
So why wait, fan into flame the gifts that are in you!!
Talking about adding value...
We did just that at a Staff Network in the private sector recently titled:
“What’s the big deal about Easter?”
Here was some feedback:
...I appreciate your input about revisiting the claims that Jesus makes at Easter. I think I know this should be done implicitly, but it is not something that I practically went about doing, so I will look into doing that. I also hope you enjoyed the event, thank you so much for attending.
(First published April 23rd 2023)
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