What does it mean to not neglect the gift that is in you (1 Timothy 4:14)?

In 1 Timothy 4:12–14, the apostle Paul exhorts Timothy not to let anyone intimidate him because of his relatively young age and to be an example to the church “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). He also writes, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders” (1 Timothy 4:14, HCSB).

Timothy, a leader in the early Christian church, was like a son to Paul. Timothy faced numerous challenges, including opposition from false teachers and the daunting task of nurturing and pastoring a fledgling congregation. Paul’s letters provided Timothy, his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), with guidance, encouragement, and practical advice for pastoral ministry. In 1 Timothy 4:11–16, Paul’s focus shifts from general instructions about church oversight to a personal pep talk specifically for Timothy. He encourages Timothy to recognize and cultivate the unique spiritual gifts placed within him by God.

To neglect a gift implies a lack of attention, care, concern, or use. The word translated as “gift” (charisma in Greek) means a spiritual present given by God’s grace through the Holy Spirit (see Romans 12:6). Elsewhere, Paul encourages believers not to quench or stifle the Spirit who is in them (see 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Every Christian receives the gift of the Spirit at salvation (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13–31). Through the Holy Spirit, God imparts to them at least one unique spiritual gift (see 1 Corinthians 12:1–11; Ephesians 4:4–7). These gifts are not merely natural talent or human skill but divine enabling and empowering designed to build up the church and further God’s kingdom (see 1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:2–5, 12, 26, 31; Ephesians 4:15–16). When God calls a believer into a special place of ministry, He endows him or her with everything needed to complete that task effectively (see Deuteronomy 34:9; Judges 3:10; 1 Samuel 10:6; Isaiah 61:1; Acts 1:8; 6:1–7; Luke 12:11–12; Romans 8:26).

Neglecting the gift could mean failing to recognize one’s spiritual gifts, underestimating their importance, or not actively using them to serve others. Paul urges Timothy—and, by extension, all believers—not to let their gifts lie dormant but to actively nurture and develop them. Jesus used the parable of the ten minas and the parable of the talents to convey a similar message. Both parables compelled His disciples toward action, responsibility, and accountability for the gifts and ministry they had been entrusted with and empowered by God to fulfill.

In Timothy’s case, when Paul said, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you,” he most likely referred to teaching, preaching, and pastoral care. Timothy had been ordained for ministry by the church elders through the laying on of hands, but for some reason, he was shrinking back from that calling. Perhaps he was being browbeaten by those who thought he was too young or inexperienced. A little later, in 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul reminds Timothy again, “to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

The spiritual gifts we receive from the Lord are not given to us fully developed but need to be strengthened and matured through use. Do not neglect the gift that is in you is our reminder to remain purposeful in action and steadfast in dedication. The command prompts us to do the following:

Every believer has a unique role to play in the grand narrative of God’s work (Ephesians 2:10). Thankfully, the God who calls us is faithful to equip, empower, and strengthen us to do His work (1 Corinthians 15:9–10; Philippians 4:13; 1 Timothy 1:12). Still, we must not grow complacent or neglectful, but instead nurture and develop God’s gifts for use in the body of Christ and anywhere He sends us.