1 Timothy 6:20-21 NKJV
“O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— [21] by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.”

Dr. Myles Munroe of blessed memory outlined five fundamental questions that one must answer to succeed and fulfill destiny:

1. Who am I? (A question of identity.)
2. Where am I from? (A question of origin.)
3. Why am I here on earth? (A question of purpose.)
4. What can I do? (A question of potentials.)
5. Where am I going to? (A question of destiny or destination.)

When you find correct answers to each of these questions and take the corresponding steps, it will enable you to live a fulfilled and successful life. Today, we want to focus on number 4: Our Potentials.

Paul said to Timothy, “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust.”
It is a serious matter, friends. You have only one life to fulfill purpose, and you are living it already. You may say, “I am not a pastor like Timothy, so it doesn’t concern me.” Oh yes, my friend, this instruction concerns all believers. You have received something from God: a spiritual gift, a talent, an ability, a purpose, a ministry, or a call. You have the responsibility to guard it.

What Does it Mean to “Guard”?

1. To protect from danger, especially by watchful attention.
2. To watch over to prevent escape, disclosure, or indiscretion.
3. To tend to carefully; to preserve.

Are you watching over what you have received diligently? Ultimately, we have received the gift of life. We are to guard it—protect and secure our lives in Jesus Christ. Timothy was instructed to avoid distractions and time wasters. Avoid profane and idle babblings because those who give themselves to distractions stray from the faith. Guard your gifts and calling jealously and don’t allow anything or anybody to discourage or take them away from you. Know yourself, know your potential, and know your purpose.

Give Yourself to Your Calling

1 Timothy 4:14 NKJV
“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”

Everyone, in addition to their natural talents and abilities, has received spiritual gifts from God. These gifts and abilities are indicators of your purpose, calling, or assignment in life. You must discover and use them. You don’t need to copy anyone. You are unique and gifted differently. Inspired by others? Yes, but do not compete or compare. Discover your own purpose and pursue it.

Guard what you have received.
The first thing we must do is protect what we have received—your gifts, talents, or purpose. Then, give yourself to your calling or purpose by using your gifts.

Paul instructed Timothy:

1. Do not be intimidated by your age, size, or background. God looks at your heart, not your qualifications. Be an example in what you are called to do.
2. Study and dedicate yourself to your purpose. Dive deep into what you are called to do and deploy yourself in it.
3. Use your spiritual gifts. Don’t neglect them.

When you meditate on these things and give yourself entirely to them, your progress will be evident to all (1 Timothy 4:15). Fruitlessness does not honor God; He desires your fruitfulness and progress in your calling.

Stir Up Your Gift

2 Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Unused gifts or talents can become dormant, like muscles that atrophy when not exercised. Similarly, if you do not use your spiritual gifts, they become stagnant. The more you use them, the more refined and perfect they become.

Paul exhorted Timothy to stir up the gift of God, to fan it into flame, as one would revive a dwindling fire. Timothy was called into pastoral ministry as a young man in a society where age often equated authority. Despite this challenge, Paul urged Timothy not to let fear hold him back. Fear—whether fear of failure, people’s opinions, or inadequacy—has caused many to miss their purpose. But God has given us a spirit of power, love, and sound mind, not fear.

Confront your fear. Fan your gifts into flame. Use your spiritual gift and watch how God will perfect it in you.

Your Age Does Not Matter in Serving God’s Purpose

2 Kings 22:1-2
“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem… And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.”

Age is not a limitation in serving God’s purpose. King Josiah was only eight years old when he became king, yet he did what was right in the sight of the Lord. Whether you are young or old, your age does not matter in the kingdom of God. God used Josiah at eight years old, Moses at eighty, and Abraham at seventy-five. What is your excuse for not serving God’s purpose?

Josiah not only did what was right; he reformed Judah, breaking down the idols and leading a spiritual revival. His story is a testament that when you seek God early and wholeheartedly, He will use you mightily, regardless of your age, background, or gender.

Take Action Now

In a society where biases and assumptions about age abound, break through the odds and fulfill your purpose with God. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Begin now! Pray this simple prayer:
“Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I yield my life to you now. Use me for your glory.”

May God bless you as you step into your purpose in Jesus’ name!