A couple of years go the “Romania Team” came to speak at our church. During the testimonies I was intrigued to see how many teens found 2 Tim 1:7 to be their favorite verse. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and discipline.” As I listened, I recalled that I too was drawn to the verse when a young man. Timothy was a young man when Paul wrote these letters. Why is this short verse so riveting to young men and women? Recently I received a little insight into the answer through Nobuhle Smith; Fifi. She and I have been voice messaging back and forth concerning her trip to the States. Although Fifi is 26 she has never traveled internationally solo. She is a little intimidated! I don’t care what your age, traveling internationally is a bit frightening. But she said she has been praying for God’s help to be brave.

Youth can be a mixed bag of aspirations and insecurities. They want to find their place in the world, to make a difference, but are also scared to venture out. When a younger person seeking to follow Christ comes upon 2 Tim 1:7 a bright light of hope begins to shine. But are insecurities, dreams, and the need for power from above only the domain of youth? I think not!

Context demands we take a peak at 2 Tim 1:6. “Kindle afresh” anazoporew from the root work zoe, “life”. This means to make alive again, not from a resurrection standpoint but more from the standpoint of embers stoked up to a blazing inferno. Timothy was old enough to have already let the zeal of the Lord wane in his heart. I don’t know if the gift Paul spoke of was the receiving of the Holy Spirit, which came through the laying on of hands following salvation, which was common, but only in the first few years of the church. Or if Paul is referring to something special that Timothy had received but neglected somewhat. But Paul says it was time to stoke up the flame again.

That is a message for all of us. We get so excited when saved, or back from a retreat, conference, camp or even a vacation. We step back into our routines with a new fire in our belly to be a true witness for Jesus. Then we encounter (again) skepticism, failure, impatience, maybe even resistance in others and ourselves. The devil throws a little cold water on the fire. No problem, but if we give up he (with our help) will quench the Spirit completely. 1 Thess 5:19

As a forest firefighter I spent hours putting out the flames, but days dousing the hot spots. When we discovered a pile of embers we would saturate and separate. Put distance between the sources of fuel and the fire hazard dies. In our spiritual lives the devil is happy to throw water on our fiery zeal for Jesus, but we unwittingly join his efforts when, in our difficulties, we separate from the family of God.

How then do we stir up the fire within?

Some years ago Caleb introduced me to the air pump for building camp fires. A little $12 plastic manual air pump changed my life. I get a little flame going, a few embers glowing and then I pump the air in and “boom” I’ve got a mighty, smores making, hot dog roasting campfire.

2 Tim 3:16 tells us the Scriptures are God-breathed. Pump the spirit all over your heart with God’s word. But Bible reading, like any daily habit, can become dry, even meaningless unless we are willing to be transformed. Read the Word, read it every day, but open the book with a prayer like this, “God, show what I need to serve you better”. Then gather closely to other embers. 7 days is too long apart.

If every one of you came to every event we sponsor, we would be stronger because of it. We don’t get together nearly enough fellowship.

Caleb, Aaron and I run off somewhere each summer and spend about 5 days together. We have never had even one problem or moment of tension in all our outings. In fact, each year we are able to talk about life, work, family and Jesus and come back closer. How is that possible? We are Christians, and Christians know how to love, serve and accommodate. We are having some difficulties this year because Caleb and I seek adventure while Aaron seeks a shade tree and a hammock. But we will figure that out.

2 Tim 1:7 says we have the power to love properly. The kind of love Paul writes about motivates us to boldly share Christ with our neighbors because we don’t want them to be hopeless and without God in this world. (2Cor 5:14)
The kind of love Paul writes about empowers us to put the needs and wants of others before our own. Humanly speaking selflessness is nearly impossible. We naturally are drawn to self-protection and self-indulgence. But we have the promise daily access to a higher power.

A couple of weeks ago Caleb, Bobbi and I were gabbing in the West Burlington Walmart. During that conversation I said, “I know I spoil the women in my life and some have said I shouldn’t but I can’t change”. Unfortunately, I did not communicate my true meaning. What I meant is that I believe it is right and proper of me to imitate a God who lavishes us with His love and blessing. To Caleb and Bobbi it sounded like I was saying, “I don’t care if I’m right or wrong, I’m incapable of changing.” Bobbi squared off with me and responded, “Love and self-control Joe, Love and self-control. She was quoting our verse. And our verse says we as Christians are absolutely capable of changing for the better because God gives us the power.