In what was likely his shortest speech ever given, Winston Churchill said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense.”
There is a sense of that kind of motivation in Paul’s letter to Timothy here. Whatever was going on in Timothy’s life, Paul felt a need to encourage his young protégé. He gives him a bit of a historical reminder of his spiritual lineage—a sort of first-century spiritual “Ancestry.com,” if you will.
Then he launches into full-blown coach mode. “Rekindle that gift of God! Remember what happened when I laid hands on you! You have a spirit of power and love and self-discipline!” Paul sounds like a boxing trainer motivating his athlete between rounds. “You can do it. You can take him. You have everything God could give you. Now, go get ’em!”
I have been described as a pastoral Neanderthal, an anachronistic, knuckle-dragging throwback. Maybe so. But I have also seen too many people who I know are faithful followers of Jesus tuck their faith in the Lord into a coat pocket out of fear (timidity?) of political correctness.
Don’t misunderstand me. I do not see our faith as a weapon we should use to bludgeon others. What I do see a relationship with Jesus as is a gift we have been encouraged to show to others in ways that can benefit their lives. Let’s remember the people who have helped us grow in the faith and find ways to “pay it forward” by doing the same for others!