“I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give you a spirit of cowardice, but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake, but bear your share of the hardship for the gospel, with the strength that comes from God. Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
We all need reminders. Emails are sent about meetings, calls made about a dentist appointment, a light on the dashboard to check the oil. Each one has importance and serves a good purpose.
Paul resorts to a reminder and uses the example of a flame. We know a small spark has great potential to become a blazing inferno. Blowing gently on embers from a barbecue can create a fire. The old song ‘it only takes a spark to get a fire going’ is real.
The same image was directed to Timothy, reminding him of the hands asking for the Spirit to ordain him. This imposition of hands occurred for us at our baptism and confirmation. Yes, we too have the gift of power, love and self control. Am I ready to stir it into a flame?