Fan the Flame

Hello,
What a beautiful sunny day the Lord has given. I trust you have been outside enjoying some of it. It was nice not to put on many layers of clothing/coat/scarf before walking Tucker today.
As I move through 1 Timothy 1, I want to look at vs. 6 today. I'm sure when people look at this verse they try to apply it to today, some of it anyway. "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." In order to look at what Paul was telling Timothy to do, we have to look first at what Paul and the elders did by laying their hands on the young pastor.
1 Timothy 4:14 tells us: "Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you." Paul is telling Timothy in this verse to USE his gift. The Holy Spirit gives the gifts, but we need to exercise/use them.
Obviously a prophetic message was also given at this time with the elders. Because we now have the fully completed Bible, we don't need further revelations from God. Also, it wasn't the elders laying hands on Timothy that gave him the gifts, but by their mutual agreement they dedicated Timothy to the Lord's service.
I'm sure you've been in services where the elders/pastor's laid hands on someone and prayed over them. This is the same thing, only in Paul's day. Paul was helping Timothy to realize his God given potential and encouraging him to use it/them.
I think the term "fan the flame" is particular and we need to pay close attention to it. How does one "fan the flame"? I think by studying the Word, praying for God's guidance and help and serving, through obedience to the Word and service to God. In other words,"if we don't use it, we lose it".
Each time we study God's Word and apply it, we are "fanning the flame". When we are being obedient, we are adding "fuel" to the fire. How brightly is your flame? Is it a roaring bon fire, or still just a small "pilot light" ready to be ignited?

Treasuring the flame,
Sandy