Paul would remind Timothy “to stir up the gift of God which is in you…”
( II Tim. 1:6). This would be Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to keep him mindful that “God has not given us spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Those things God has given us are of a nature that cannot sit and be still. We have been given that which cannot be hidden, but at times we conduct our lives in a way that it does. Of course we sin, and fall short occasionally, but there needs to be the standing up again and committing ourselves to him who judges righteously.
As well, there is no need for us to become content and live as though there is nothing else we can do. We always need to work in some form towards the glory of God. The Laodiceans as seen in Revelation 3:14 had become lukewarm (neither hot [active] nor cold [inactive]) for God. They supposed themselves to be okay with God and not at need of anything. But we see our Lord rebuking these and telling to be zealous and repent. If one does not live zealous for good works and in service to the Lord, are they as the same as the Laodiceans? When the work stops, what is being done?
In the same mind, our Lord speaks in Matthew 24: 45-51 of those servants who are working as though the Lord were with them. They shall be rewarded. However those who are found, as it says, thinking “My master is delaying his coming,” and behaves as though the master will not come, will be punished. The servant who was lazy and did not look for his master to return is like those who today are at ease with their lives and think they have done all that needs to be done to gain salvation. But our lord’s warning is clear. There is always work to do.
We all need to remain diligently in the service of God. There is not a moment when we can relax or let our guard down. For which of us does not know that the devil is as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (I Pet 5:8)? What is unclear about taking heed he who thinks he stands lest he falls (I Cor. 10:12)?
We all need to remain vigilant and keep our eyes on God. We can all be what is needed for each other to stay focused. We can all be fellow laborers and be mindful. Hebrews 10: 24 would have us “provoking” or “stirring” up each other to love and good works. Let us be fellow laborers do the things necessary to stir up our brethren to love and good works. That which does not need to be stirred up has no substance.
By Kevin Strickland