I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am convinced, now lives in you also. (2 Timothy 1:5, NIV)
Spending this Sunday on the golf course with mom? Probably not, though I know that happens in some families!
When we set aside times to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries or Mother’s and Father’s Days, we usually let the honorees do the choosing. And even moms who love golf often pick another activity for the day ahead. Brunch, anyone?
Today’s passage is one often referenced this time of year. It describes a spiritual lineage that many of us would covet for ourselves. Let’s take a few minutes to look at what Paul was praising—and whom!
To begin, Paul identified in Lois, Eunice and now Timothy a sincerity of faith. While we know that sincerity pointed in the wrong direction (at a false god) brings no salvation, this does not diminish sincerity’s value. Those who live intentionally make great gains, especially when they are intentional in serving Jesus.
Second, it is faith that Paul found in this family. That is, they were willing to entrust their lives to the Lord who had made, saved, and now governed them. They knew him to be “the only wise God,” and their words and their lives demonstrated this faith.
Finally, while we recognize that neither sincerity nor faith is genetically transferable, they are certainly transferable by example. Those who show us that sincere faith produces a growing and vital relationship with our Savior shed meaningful light on our own consideration of how we will live. Through them we see the wonderful result of a God-pointed, God-honoring life. And so, Paul praised by name those people in Timothy’s life who had shown him how to live well before God. How might we follow his example this weekend (and beyond) by encouraging those of both older and younger generations who have dedicated themselves to Jesus?
—
Jeff Hopper
May 11, 2012
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday through Friday at www.linksplayers.com.