Timothy apparently did not grow up in an “ideal” Christian home. His father was a Greek, and maybe not a believer. He was taught the Christian faith by his mother and grandmother. He was mentored by Paul, who was his spiritual father. He became His traveling companion and a trusted tender of the flock of God. He was inclined to be timid. He needed the renewal of the power of the Spirit in his life as we all do. He needed to tend the fire of God on the altar of His heart. So must we.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)
(From “The Master’s Table”, by H. Lamar Smith.)
