The Legacy of a Mother’s Faith
“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” 2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul sings the praise of a godly grandmother and mother who passed on a legacy of faith in the life of Timothy. There’s no mention of Timothy’s father, other than that he was a Greek and most likely not a believer. It’s significant that his mother and grandmother lived out a “genuine faith” that filled their lives to overflow, and it spilled out on this young man who became a spiritual son to Paul. Timothy was the first “second” generation Christian and would later become a part of Paul’s missionary team as well as a pastor at the church in Ephesus. That’s a powerful witness to the impact of a mother’s faith!
This weekend we honor mothers and express our great appreciation for them. It’s a great time to let them know how much you value them by making worship with them at church a central part of your Mother’s Day weekend. Timothy learned about God’s love and His instructions for life from his mother who learned it from her mother! I find it fascinating just how Timothy’s mother taught him. Later in 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NLT), Paul reminds Timothy of this challenge, “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 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.” The word for “childhood” in this passage is the same word used of John the Baptist, when Elizabeth was pregnant with him in Luke 1:41, 44. The idea here is that Timothy’s mother, Eunice, began teaching the holy Scriptures to him before he was even born!
What a great model for all of us to follow in raising our kids today! When we train our children from the never-changing truth of God’s Word, they will have a firm foundation for life. It’s the only stable ground to stand on and will keep them secure throughout life and into eternity!