02 Oct That Genuine Faith that Dwelt First in Your Mother
Faith – genuine faith – is what Paul vividly remembered as he wrote his last words to Timothy, from a cold prison cell in Rome.
Faith – “which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also”.
Faith – which Lois and Eunice held firmly to, passed down to young Timothy, and was evidently spilling unto the ends of the earth through the work of the Apostles.
Faith – that had witnessed persecution, imprisonment and even the ruthless murder of some apostles, and was still living and active in the third generation of Timothy’s family.
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I’m curious about this family.
When and how did they hear about Christ? And what caused them to convert to this new faith? Did they not know the risk?
Granted, they lived in faraway Lystra, but I’m sure they had heard of Paul’s tribulations by now – including the violent stoning he had suffered at the very hands of their countrymen, some time back.
Had they also heard of Stephen and how one passionate speech had cost him his life? By STONING? Were they not afraid?
And what about Timothy? How old was he when he first heard his grandmother talk about Jesus? Or was it his mother?
Was he glad to finally meet Paul? And how come he was not afraid of ending up with the Romans, like Paul did?
I have so many questions.
And then I think about myself. And my kids. How much of my faith do they actually see? Am I imparting anything at all?
I try for sure – I pray with them, pray for them, talk to them about Jesus – especially when upbraiding them – “can you say sorry to Jesus right now for biting your sister” kind of thing.
Would Paul write of my children – “faith, which first dwelt in your mother, and I am persuaded is in you also”.
That’s a sobering thought. Maybe I should resume those Bible-study sessions with them, after all.
Well, there goes more of that forever-scarce Me Time.
But it’s worth it. Eternally so, in fact.
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“..when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
Edge
Posted at 19:17h, 02 OctoberVery inspiring! Thanks!
Akmaina
Posted at 20:16h, 02 OctoberYour thoughts induce serious introspection about parenting and “bringing” the children to Him. Thanks.
eva leparakuo
Posted at 03:19h, 03 OctoberPaulie…deep with a sense of humour. Keep them coming!! I need to reread and ponder some more on how I share the gospel. Hmmm
Carokine Outa-Ogweno
Posted at 05:47h, 03 OctoberGreat job Mugure. Much food for thought
Robert Wakaba
Posted at 07:20h, 03 OctoberThought inspiring indeed…
James Wachira
Posted at 08:07h, 03 OctoberIndeed our children are a reflection of who we are, just like they learn all behaviour and mannerisms from us, so will they learn to forge a relationship with Christ that is similar to our relationship with Him. May the Lord help us to be good examples to those who look upon us for direction, may our faith in God be seen in them too. Great piece. Great challenge.
wanjiru chira
Posted at 09:47h, 03 October“say sorry to Jesus for biting your sister” – very funny. This is a great read and of course triggers some self inspection on whether as parents, we have taught well enough that our good teachings are visible to others through the kids own choices, personalities, behavior..
Norah Mboya
Posted at 12:40h, 03 OctoberA thought provoking quick read . Keep them coming Paulie
Christine Martey-Ochola
Posted at 14:00h, 03 OctoberI’d say resume that bible study. Certainly a thought provoking piece that begs us to self examine and and ask the question. .. what quality of faith inheritance am I establishing for my kids, and the generations beyond them? I’m certainly a product of my great grandma’s response to Christ’s calling!
Thanks Paulie. May God continue to use you in sharing written word.
Pauline Ondachi
Posted at 16:15h, 03 OctoberThat’s a great thought provoking and very inspiring piece Paulie! Makes me think of the quote by Ralph Waldo, “Your actions speak so loudly that I can’t hear what you are saying”. I guess the faith of the mother and grandma of little Timothy was so well lived out faith that it greatly impacted the young life. He must have spoken about it too, which may be that’s how Paul knew that or probably Paul also witnessed their lived out faith. May we be such in our generation!
Jaynnie
Posted at 19:36h, 03 OctoberOh dear! And to think I’m already a grandmother……. Can this be said of me?? Lord Jesus, create in me a new heart and a new spirit…. To pass this faith…. Evidently….. to my children and grand child. Amen.
Kavee
Posted at 14:30h, 05 OctoberThis is lovely.
Nthenya K Kisila
Posted at 19:47h, 06 OctoberThis is deeply touching Paulie.My Maternal Grandma passed her faith to my Mum and i.I have a mammoth task to impart the faith to my DaughtersThankyou