Spiritual values in the home
May 11, 2008 (Sunday)
On his first missionary journey, Paul met a young man who lived with his mother and grandmother. His father had died. His name was Timothy, and he became a coworker with Paul, who wrote to him later: “I have been 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” (1 Tim 1:3 NIV).
Paul reminded Timothy that even though he had no wealth, he had a magnificent spiritual inheritance. Timothy’s spiritual heritage mirrors the qualities that characterize good Christian homes today.
First, there was a magnificent influence upon him by his mother and grandmother. Then there was the influence of other Christians, like Paul. Of course, there was the steady influence from childhood of God’s Holy Word.
Then there was his magnificent sincerity of faith. His mother and grandmother had the kind of sincerity that cannot be denied. Timothy knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that the faith of his mother and grandmother was real, through and through. There was never a hint of hypocrisy about them. They modeled openness and honesty for him.
A great part of Timothy’s Christian heritage was magnificent faith. In the hearts of those in his home, there was faith in God which gave meaning to life. The people in his house trusted Jesus and their daily lives reflected that faith.
Timothy’s magnificent spiritual inheritance was a strong influence for God, legitimate sincerity and genuine faith, all modeled by members of his household. May the Lord enable us to have families of people like that today.
Happy Mother’s Day.
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(I wrote my first blog one year ago today)