A Legacy of Sincere Faith
We tend to pass on, from one generation to the next, the things that are valued most to us. The most important thing I can think of to pass down is a legacy of sincere, genuine faith.
The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to his young friend Timothy that he knew about the faith in his family tree. Timothy’s mother and grandmother had a sincere faith. Paul said that he was sure this faith was in Timothy as well.
We can’t automatically assume that because the two generations before Timothy were believers in Christ, then Timothy would be a believer as well. And Paul did not make that assumption here. He knew the family well and in 2 Timothy 3:15 showed us how he could be sure of Timothy’s faith. He said (speaking of Timothy), “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus” (nlt). One becomes a child of God by making a choice by faith to accept Christ as one’s Savior. And Paul knew Timothy had done this. You cannot be a grandchild of God—only a child of God!
Eunice and Lois lived in a time when women’s work was literally never done. Life was not easy in that culture. But it is evident by the results in Timothy’s life that his mother and grandmother taught him their love of God while doing their work. They must have followed what Deuteronomy 6:5-7 explains concerning teaching Scripture to children “when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (nasb). In their busy day, they taught their children the importance of a life focused on Christ. Oh, the beauty of having this passed down to you and the joy of getting to carry on a legacy like this.
But do not despair if you came from a family tree where faith was not lived out. If this is your situation, you have a unique opportunity. As your faith grows, you can break the chain of a family that was indifferent to God. Love Him, keep His commandments, and be the recipient of His lovingkindness for generations (see Deuteronomy 7:9). Let your family be the one of which it is said, “I know of the sincere faith of your mother and grandmother.” Enjoy letting your family catch that faith!
Heavenly Father, what a privilege it is to know You personally. Allow Your love to shine through me so that my family may see You clearly. May all who come behind me follow after You for generation after generation. In Your name, amen.