Keeping Your Biblical Gifts Activated: Staying Faithful, Pure, and Purposeful
The gifts God has placed in us are like seeds. They are meant to grow, flourish, and bear fruit, but without the right care, they can become dormant—or worse, defiled. So, how are you keeping your spiritual gifts activated? How are you ensuring they remain pure and undefiled, ready to be used for God’s glory?
The Bible gives us clear guidance on how to nurture our spiritual gifts. It begins with staying rooted in God's Word, fasting, and walking in the Spirit. Let's explore these principles and how you can avoid the pitfalls of dormancy and defilement.
1. The Danger of Dormant Gifts
Spiritual gifts, if not used, can grow dormant. Paul reminded Timothy of this truth when he urged him:
"For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV)
Think of a fire: without fuel and attention, the flames will eventually die out. Similarly, your gifts need consistent activation through prayer, study, and practice. Failing to use them can cause you to forget how to operate in your gifting, and over time, you might even doubt that you were gifted in the first place.
Action Step: Make a habit of using your gifts in service to others. If your gift is teaching, teach. If it’s prophecy, prophesy. If it’s hospitality, serve. Gifts flourish when exercised regularly.
2. Protecting Your Gifts from Defilement
Even active gifts can become defiled if we’re not vigilant. Sin, pride, and compromise can corrupt the purity of our spiritual gifts, making them ineffective or harmful. The enemy’s goal is to taint what God has entrusted to you.
Romans 12:2 advises us:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
When we allow worldly influences to dominate our lives, our gifts are no longer tools for God’s glory. Instead, they become tools for self-promotion or manipulation.
Action Step: Stay humble before God and repent of anything that could hinder the effectiveness of your gifts. Regularly ask God to cleanse your heart and purify your intentions.
3. Staying in the Word
The Word of God is the foundation for everything. Without it, we risk straying from the truth. The psalmist reminds us:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
Reading and meditating on the Bible equips you to use your gifts effectively and ensures you remain grounded in truth. The more scripture you know, the better the Holy Spirit can work through you to guide, teach, and empower others.
Action Step: Develop a daily Bible-reading plan. Focus on scriptures that deepen your understanding of your gifts and strengthen your spiritual walk.
4. Fasting for Spiritual Power
Fasting is a powerful way to activate and strengthen your gifts. Jesus Himself demonstrated this when He fasted for 40 days before starting His ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). Fasting humbles us, aligns our hearts with God’s will, and clears distractions that hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in us.
Isaiah 58:6 says:
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"
When combined with prayer and scripture meditation, fasting helps refine your gifts and ensures they are used for God’s purposes.
Action Step: Make fasting a regular part of your spiritual discipline. Fast with a purpose—seeking clarity, strength, or renewal in your gifting.
5. Walking in the Spirit
To keep your gifts from becoming dormant or defiled, you must walk in step with the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16-17 instructs us:
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh."
The Holy Spirit is your guide and helper. He empowers your gifts and keeps you on the path of righteousness. Without Him, even the most extraordinary gifts will lose their power and effectiveness.
Action Step: Cultivate a daily relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship, and obedience.
How Are You Keeping Your Gifts Activated?
Take time to reflect. Are you actively using your gifts to serve God and others? Are you guarding them against defilement through sin or neglect? Staying in your Bible, fasting, and inviting the Holy Spirit into your daily life are the keys to maintaining vibrant, effective gifts.
Let’s heed Paul’s advice:
"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you." (1 Timothy 4:14)
God has entrusted you with your gifts for a reason. Keep them activated. Keep them pure. And above all, use them to bring glory to His name.
Questions to Ponder:
What steps are you taking to keep your spiritual gifts active and growing?
Are there areas where you’ve allowed your gifts to become dormant or compromised?
How can you deepen your walk with God to ensure your gifts remain pure and powerful?
Stay faithful, stay grounded, and keep your gifts alive for the glory of God!
