⁵For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. ⁶For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Although Paul speaks of his “mindful” recollection, he surely is reminding Timothy. The apostle calls upon his associate to remember from where he came and the influences in his life, particularly his grandmother and his mother. The impact of godly women has been one of the overlooked stories in history, but God notices and points out significant examples. We think of Elizabeth and Mary, quiet women who are worthily mentioned as influences in and through their sons (Mary of course being the earthly mother of Jesus). Lois and Eunice must have been tremendously influential in Timothy’s life for Paul to have pointed them out. “Don’t forget them!” is his message.

In particular, Paul highlights their “sincere faith,” which is modeled in Timothy. Apparently, these two women came to faith in Christ before Timothy, during Paul’s first visit to Lystra and Derbe. Their response to the gospel most likely led Timothy to also believe the message Paul preached. Paul’s comment here could also include their faithfulness as pre-converted believers who trusted in Yahweh of Jewish understanding. In other words, they were faithful Jews who endeavored to live out their faith in relation to the Law of Moses.

Not only was Timothy to guard the deposit given him (1 Tim. 6:20), but he was to “kindle afresh the gift of God” or, as other translations put it, “fan into flames” (ESV, NIV) or “stir up” (NKJV) the gift. Commentaries wrestle over whether this gift refers to Timothy’s actual commissioning or a special enabling for his particular ministry. Regardless of the specifics, he is to assume an active effort in using and developing that gifting he does have. This begs the question, “How does one kindle one’s gift?”

With Timothy’s spiritual pedigree, his apparent timid disposition, and the opposition he faced from others, he could have easily become passive in ministry. But to kindle the gift is to work at it, go to the need, face your shortcomings by intentionally developing your abilities. On the most fundamental level, we kindle the gift in us through reading the Word, praying, presenting the gospel, and looking for opportunities to serve. Doing nothing with what God has given us to do will not fan our gift into flames. We should avoid anything that would throw water on our gift, like sin, refusing to repent or reconcile.

Lord, I recommit to rekindling the commission You have given me to serve.