Give God Your Best and Live Your Calling

“Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)

When Timothy joined Paul on his missionary journey, Timothy was still a very young man. Paul sent him to a city called Ephesus to help start and lead a church. Even though Timothy struggled with fear, God used him.

Three lessons I can learn from Timothy about how to fulfill God’s calling in my life. 

Develop the gifts God gave me.
The Bible says, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity. . . . Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you. . . . Practice these things and devote yourself to them, in order that your progress may be seen by all” (1 Timothy 4:12, 14-15 GNT).

Paul also told Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV).

As a believer, I have a lifelong responsibility to develop the talents and gifts God has given me.

Refuse to be distracted.
Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:16, “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you” (NLT).

It’s easy to get sidetracked by a desire to build my business, family, career, or my bank account. And I often waste countless hours of my life on the internet and on my phone. As a follower of Jesus, I've got to keep the most important things in focus so I can fulfill my calling.

Give God my very best.
The Bible says, “Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you” (1 Timothy 6:12 GNT). God has called me to a specific task, and it can only be accomplished when I give it the best of my time, effort, gifts, and focus.

Paul says about Timothy, “I have no one else like Timothy” (Philippians 2:20 NLT). Can you imagine a greater epitaph? There was no one else in the world like Timothy. He was focused. He was committed to the call of God on his life. Nobody could distract or discourage him, and he gave God his best.

As I give God my best and follow his calling, God will bring out the best in me as well. 

In summary:

Timothy’s story reminds me that fulfilling God’s calling requires intentional focus, courage, and commitment. Though young and timid, Timothy was called to lead and serve with boldness, and Paul urged him to develop his spiritual gifts, stay focused on what matters most, and give God his very best. Like Timothy, I’m responsible for growing the talents God has placed in me, refusing distractions that pull me away from my purpose, and pursuing my calling with excellence. God doesn’t give a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and self-discipline—and when I live from that truth, God brings out the best in me.

Bottom Line:

To fulfill God’s calling, I must grow my gifts, stay focused on what matters most, and give God my very best—trusting that He has equipped me with power, love, and self-discipline to live it out.