A Grateful Heritage

Ever wonder what role we have been commanded to have in the spiritual upbringing of our children? So many today, leave all the "spiritual teaching" to others. I am not saying that God does not provide many ways to help supplement and re-enforce His Word to our children. We just need to be careful that we don't entrust ALL of our children's spiritual growth to others.

I started to read yesterday, 2 Timothy. It is a beautiful letter from Paul to Timothy. Paul is at the end of his life...he will shortly be executed and is in a jail pit, underground. In this beautiful letter, Paul takes the opportunity to charge Timothy and also acknowledges his wonderful heritage. He says in 2 Timothy 1:5
"For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure it is in you as well."
Timothy had a heritage of sincere faith that first was exhibited by his grandmother and mother. For Paul to mention them implies that he must have known their faith was real. They probably came to hear the Gospel of Christ in Paul's first missionary journey. (Acts 13:13-14:21) They, more than likely, were Jewish believers who fervently witnessed to Timothy. Paul acknowledges Timothy's spiritual "roots" ...

"But you should continue following the teachings you learned. You know they are true, because you trust those who taught you. Since you were a child you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." 2Tim. 3:14-15
Who taught Timothy since he was a child? Who did Timothy trust?
The teaching Timothy learned came from his mother and grandmother who learned it from Paul. These were teachings that went against everything taught in the present culture they were living.
Acts 16 tells us that they lived in Lystra, a district of the Roman province Galatia. Acts 16:1 “Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.” So Timothy is the product of a home with a believing mother and an unbelieving father. He did not allow Timothy to be circumcised. Yet with all the opposition that Timothy faced, in the culture and even in his home, his mother and grandmother witnessed and taught him the Gospel. They were persistent and diligent to teach him what was true.
That is why Paul says "Since you were a child you have known the Holy Scriptures" Timothy must have just not heard the Scriptures, he must have seen them lived out in his mother and grandmother. What a charge that is to us...in a time where everything that the world offers and thinks comes directly against what God teaches, we can have a bold witness and testimony with our children. We CAN influence our children and lead them to faith, but we must first know our faith and then boldly live it before them. The task of raising Godly children is not to be handed over. It is for us...and what God has entrusted to us, He will provide what we need to accomplish it. But we must be diligent:
Spend time in God's word.
Study His teachings.
And then most important, we have to not only know His Word but we must live it...Apply...be obedient.

Then, we can have the greatest impact on our children. And who knows...the next "Timothy" may be raised and many will be thankful.
Janet

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