Have you ever had a spiritual “mountaintop” experience? At the time you were probably overwhelmed by the presence of God, knowing completely his goodness, love, grace, peace, direction, wisdom, or whatever else you were seeking. You probably wanted to stay there, immersed in that moment and it’s feelings and wonder. Then, you left the “mountain,” and the wonder and beauty of that experience likely faded. Eventually it may have become a fond memory, but nothing more.
But what if it was supposed to be “something more?” What if God wanted you to take what you had been given and to ponder it, to share it, to live in it? What if it wasn’t meant to be a temporary mountaintop experience, but a download into you for your future and for your work in God’s Kingdom? What if you really weren’t supposed to come off of the “mountain?” At a conference I once heard Bill Hybels say, “Vision leaks.” He was talking about evangelism in a congregation, but I believe this saying applies to everything God wants for us. If we don’t intentionally steward the revelations and callings God gives us, we’ll likely forget them.
Indeed, when the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, he taught about stewarding all Timothy had learned from him. In part, he said, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” (1 Timothy 4:14-15 NIV). The gifts God gives us are a deposit that God puts on the inside of us. He expects us not to neglect them, but to diligently grow and work toward the fulfillment of that deposit. When we study his Word, pray, worship with other believers, and grow in our faith we help to steward what God has put within us.
When God told Joshua in Joshua 1:8 to, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful,” (NIV) he wasn’t just suggesting Joshua throw a fleeting thought at it every so often. “Meditate” in this case is a very active, not passive, word. It’s a word that implies intentionality – to talk to yourself, ponder, think deeply and carefully for a time, to plan and consider. When God speaks to us we pay attention not just in that moment, but by reviewing, remembering, and musing on what God has said. We don’t neglect our gifts, but actively work to not only remember but activate them in our lives. And as our faith grows, our ability to live out the fullness of God for us is expanded.
Omniscient God,
Thank you for all you place within us – dreams, goals, vision, calling – and for the challenge to mediate and ponder on it. Holy Spirit, train us up for godliness and help us be diligent in these things so we continue to progress toward the fullness of who you have called us to be in Christ Jesus. Amen.
“Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come…Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4: 7-8, 14-16 NLT)
“Don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” (from Joshua 1:1-9 MSG)