Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you.

1 Timothy 4:14, Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

I once received such a promise after prayer and the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit; the next day, the one who prayed that blessing told me "You have received an incredible gift." Initially, the Holy Spirit convicted me about my own sin and my need for His cleansing and help in overcoming lust, and I still need His help every day. This was so powerful that I may indeed have neglected the "incredible gift" that my friend referred to! Do we really seek to develop that which He has given to us, indeed to take pains, to be absorbed, to show visible progress?

Thank You for all the good gifts that You freely give us; help me today to be faithful with all that You have given me!