Daily Devotion: Passing On The Faith

Scripture:
2 Timothy 1: 1-8

Main Verse:
2 Timothy 1: 5
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.

Observation:
Paul liked Timothy. In his letter, he affectionately greeted him "my dear son." He spoke highly of Timothy because of his authentic faith, and I believe that he would not have had this kind of faith if it weren't for his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice who did a great job of passing on their faith to him. Timothy's grandmother and his mother were faithful followers of the Lord Jesus. If you've noticed, certain people in the Bible are mentioned even though there is not much known about them, such as Jabez, an honorable man, whose short prayer was heard and granted by God (1 Chronicles 4:10). There isn't much written about Lois, but in Acts 16: 1 we know that Eunice was a Jewish who believed God's Word and obeyed it and accepted Jesus as her Savior. This, despite having a Greek husband, a Gentile. God used both Timothy's grandmother and mother to prepare him in serving the Lord. But it was Paul who trained Timothy so that he can be useful in the churches' growth and eventually become a pastor.

Application:
Some of us may have children and grandchildren of our own. If we do, it is our responsibility as believers to pass on our faith to these young people. We don't have to sound all too preachy, but in every circumstance, the younger generation should see the greatness of God, and the wonderful things He had done in our lives. 

Some of us may not have children or grandchildren, but we should not use it as an excuse not to tell others about God. We can all be a Lois or a Eunice to our nieces and nephews, or to the youth in church.  If your church has an active youth ministry and program, you may do your part by helping these young people grow in their Christian faith and ensure that Christ's vision of discipleship will be sustained. Let us do every effort to pass on our faith so that in the future, these young men and women will also be able to impart to others the same faith we have received from our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for my parents who raised me with the knowledge of who you are and what you did on the cross. Thank you that you still give them the strength to serve you. I pray, my Lord, that I may be able to show to the younger people around me who you are in my life, your greatness, your faithfulness, your lovingkindness and your mercy. May I set a good example, and may they always see your likeness in me. I pray in your Most Holy Name. AMEN.