Old Houses

Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:11-16 ESV).

 

The house pictured in this devotional is an old family homestead. We knew it as “Mama and Papa Perry’s house.” It is the childhood home of Mary’s Dad. He was born in 1909 and this house was there before his birth which puts its age at over 100 years. The picture was taken in 2019. I remember my first stay in this house over fifty years ago, in the summer of 1968. Mary and I were not married yet, though I was accompanying her and her family on their annual trip “home” to Pine Ridge, NC. Both Mama and Papa Perry, her grandparents were alive and living in this home. Propriety dictated that I stay with them while Mary and her folks stayed next door in Aunt Ruby’s house. The point of the picture is in the wonderful condition of the house. It hasn’t changed much in the intervening years since my first visit. It has a new roof and siding, but the structure is relatively unchanged. It has been well cared for over the years.

 

Our reading today comes as the Apostle Paul writes to young Pastor Timothy instructing him in the orderly running of a congregation. Timothy receives helpful instruction about worship behavior and establishing leadership within the church. Paul offers some personal advice as well: Do not neglect the gift you received from the Holy Spirit (v. 13). Paul knew Timothy was gifted, and he urged Timothy to cultivate his gift. We are not told specifically what it was. It could have been preaching, prophecy, healing, or any number of things.

 

We have all been equipped by God with gifts for service in ministry. Every one of us is on a mission field and prepared by God to face that calling. Some­times our gifts fall into disuse because we neglect the care and use of them becoming busy or distracted. Maybe some gifts are set aside for a season in favor of others. Timothy was very busy establishing his congregation, so Paul reminded Timothy that the gift God had given him was not to be neglected. Paul’s advice still rings true: “Do not neglect your gift.” Whatever gifting God has equipped you with is for a purpose. Step into new ways you can use your gifts to serve God’s kingdom. Even “old houses” may still continue with “new life” if we are careful not to neglect them.