Do you have a personality that is quiet and timid? 2 Timothy 1-2

2 Timothy 1:7 (NASBStr)

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

When we read Paul's letters to the young Pastor Timothy (1 and 2 Timothy) and the narrative about him in t he book of Acts, we might come to the conclusion that he lacked a strong will, or at least his appearance to others may have lent itself to the more introverted, quiet sort, than the bombastic and confrontational style, of say his mentor, Paul.   If Paul was like Peter (voicing opinion, even though not asked), Timothy was like John (laying his head on the Savior's lap, avoiding conflict and seeking love).   Paul was Martha, filled with the desire to complete the tasks.  Timothy was Mary, resting quietly and taking it all in.  Paul wasn't necessarily trying to change Timothy.  There is a temptation in our society to want to change the leader's style because it doesn't match ours.   But, Paul did want Timothy to know that when he received the gifts that he received by the Holy Spirit when they laid hands on him (2 Timothy 1:6) were given to him to equip him to be a powerful leader.   God not only gives us the gifts for leadership and ministry, but also the ability to use them.   In the above verse Paul tells Timothy that he was not only given a gift, but the power (the ability to use these gifts), the love (the ability to use the gifts in the right way ... 1 Timothy 1:5), and the discipline (the ability to know when and where to use the gifts ... discernment).    It would be easy for Timothy to slip into a quiet and withdrawn state, the natural way he was created.  He should rejoice in the way God made him.  However, when we are given the Holy Spirit, we are not governed by the flesh (our personality) but by the Spirit.   When the Spirit works in our life we are given power, love and discipline.  By faith we exercise both the gifts and the tools to use them.   When confronted with danger, political pressure, and/or heresy, Timothy didn't have to become a wall flower.  He could, by faith, trust that God had given his spirit the power of the Holy Spirit, the gift of Love and the wisdom of God to fight the good fight.   Don't use your personality as a reason to withdraw in the fight for the gospel.   God has given us the gifts and the tools to use them in a fallen and broken world.