Wednesday, May 4, 2011

May 5, 2011

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."   II Timothy 1:5

This verse written to the young protege', Timothy, should remind you of a very essential truth regarding motherhood (or parenthood for that matter). When you raise your child you are raising at least two generations of children. Probably more than that.

Paul says as much here as he refers to Timothy's mother and also, his grandmother, Lois. They both played a significant role in shaping a young lad into an important leader in the Early Church. His ministry assisting and traveling with the Apostle Paul and later, helping shape the next generation of believers was an extension of their influence.

Eunice would not have raised Timothy in the faith had not her mother, Lois, reared her to know and love God. So, Timothy was the product of at least two previous generations of believers.

You and I are impressed with Paul the Apostle for a number of reasons. But Paul was impressed with Lois and Eunice. So much so that he mentions them in his writings. I imagine that it wasn't particularly easy to impress the Great Apostle.

Furthermore, how you were raised by your parents and grandparents will influence how you will decide to raise yours. That happens primarily in conscious ways but also in subconscious ways. So, embrace your role as a mother. Extend the faith legacy of your mother and perhaps, your grandmother. Consider the fact that the Christian faith is always just one generation away from extinction and you can grasp the urgency of godly motherhood.

So, Timothy shaped the Early Church but a mother and a grandmother shaped him. How is your motherhood shaping up?