The Cauldron is Lit

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NLT

Last evening the Olympic Cauldron for the 2024 Paris Summer Games was lit before thousands of fans in attendance along with millions watching across the world. It signifies the start of the XXXIII Olympiad where athletes from every nation will display the results of their determination and self-discipline in preparation to win a gold medal. The flames in the Olympic Cauldron also represents the flame of desire in every athletes’ heart to compete in the games and win gold. That flame continues to grow stronger being fanned by endless training, proper diet, and self-discipline. It now burns full and bright ready to be revealed for the world to see.

Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as savior by trusting in Him for salvation have a lighted cauldron within them. Everyone has been given a spiritual gift by the Lord to use for His service in building up His church. We possess the flame, but it needs to be fanned occasionally for its full effectiveness. Unlike an Olympic athlete who must rely on their own strength, discipline, and training to achieve positive results, Christians have the Holy Spirit to help them along. Paul encouraged Timothy he was given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline to help him carry out the work of the Lord.

The Lord doesn’t want our gift to remain a single flame, but to fan it into flames with the power of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians are timid and even afraid when it comes to volunteering in a church project when they know they have the gift to accomplish the task. Remember it is God, the Holy Spirit, creator of the universe, whom you possess along with your spiritual gift. Unlike the flames in the Olympic Cauldron which will be extinguished at the end of the games, your spiritual gift will never go out. The Holy Spirit will see to it your cauldron stays lit.

• The week’s devotionals were inspired by the “XXXIII Olympiad” and “The Incredible Race VBS Program” https://answersingenesis.org/