In a world that often feels disposable, where even our appliances seem designed with built-in obsolescence, it's easy to forget the enduring impact we can have on future generations. As we celebrate mothers and the incredible influence they wield, we're reminded of a profound truth: godly influence reverberates for generations.
Consider the story of Lois and Eunice, a grandmother and mother duo mentioned in the Bible. These two women poured their faith and wisdom into young Timothy, who would go on to become a pivotal figure in the early Christian church. Their influence didn't stop with their immediate family; through Timothy, it rippled out to touch thousands of lives in the bustling city of Ephesus and beyond.
This account serves as a powerful reminder that our words and actions don't simply disappear into the ether. They flutter out again and again, potentially remembered and treasured long after we're gone. For mothers especially, this realization can be both sobering and inspiring.
But what about situations where a godly influence seems to be lacking? The Bible doesn't mention Timothy's father playing a role in his spiritual upbringing. In fact, he's described as a "Greek," implying he wasn't a follower of the Jewish faith. Yet Timothy's mother and grandmother filled that void with their own godly presence.
This should serve as an encouragement to single mothers or those parenting alongside an unbelieving spouse. Your influence, coupled with God's presence in your life, can make all the difference. As the old saying goes, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." Your impact can be the saving grace in your children's lives.
For those who feel overwhelmed by this responsibility, take heart in the story of Susanna Wesley. Mother to 19 children (10 of whom survived to adulthood), Susanna faced incredible hardships. Her husband was a poor money manager with a violent temper, who once abandoned the family for an entire year. They lived in poverty, and their house burned down twice.
Despite these trials, Susanna remained steadfast in her commitment to instilling a love for God and His Word in her children. She spent an hour in private prayer daily and devoted an hour each week to each child individually, teaching and counseling them in spiritual matters.
The fruit of her labor? Two of her sons, John and Charles Wesley, became instrumental figures in the Methodist movement, changing the world for Christ. It's said that this powerful revival was "born on her lap."
While Susanna's story might seem superhuman, she was an ordinary woman who gave herself diligently to her family. Her example reminds us of the extraordinary potential within every parent who commits to raising their children in the faith.
So what's the key to leaving such a lasting impact? The answer lies in God's Word. As 2 Timothy 3:15-17 tells us, the Scriptures are "able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" and are "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
In a world where our children are bombarded by conflicting philosophies and worldviews, God's Word serves as their shield and guide. It's not enough to simply impart conventional wisdom or "mom's remedies." Our kids need the "incorruptible seed" of Scripture sown in their hearts.
This means actively engaging with the Bible in our homes. As Deuteronomy 6:6-9 instructs, we should talk about God's Word when we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up. It should be as ever-present as if it were written on our doorposts or bound to our foreheads.
Some might worry that this spiritual inheritance won't last. After all, there's a Chinese saying that "wealth never makes it to the third generation." But faith is different. Why? Because God has no grandchildren. Each generation must develop their own personal relationship with Him. When we lead our children to seek the Lord, He renews the covenant with every new generation.
This is crucial to understand. What's often been passed down in America is not a living, vital faith, but mere religion – church attendance and a vague respect for morality. This lifeless version of Christianity has no power to transform lives and rarely survives beyond a generation or two.
The good news is that we're seeing a resurgence of spiritual hunger among younger generations. They're recognizing the emptiness of life without God and the confusion that results from ignoring His Word. This presents an incredible opportunity for parents and grandparents to share the truth and model genuine faith.
To seize this moment, we must first ensure that we ourselves have a living, breathing relationship with God. We can't pass on what we don't possess. If you find yourself lacking in this area, take heart – today can be the beginning of a new chapter in your family's spiritual legacy.
By surrendering your life to Christ, accepting His forgiveness, and allowing His strength to replace your weakness, you can become the starting point for generations of faith. As Proverbs 31 suggests, your children and grandchildren will "rise up and call you blessed" when you choose to follow God wholeheartedly.
As we reflect on the power of a mother's influence and the lasting impact of faith passed down through generations, let's commit ourselves anew to sowing the incorruptible seed of God's Word in the hearts of our children. Though we may not see the full fruit of our labor in our lifetime, we can trust that God will watch over that seed, nurturing it with the sunshine and rain of His Spirit until it takes deep root in the generations to come.
May we be found faithful in this most sacred of callings, leaving a legacy that echoes into eternity.
Consider the story of Lois and Eunice, a grandmother and mother duo mentioned in the Bible. These two women poured their faith and wisdom into young Timothy, who would go on to become a pivotal figure in the early Christian church. Their influence didn't stop with their immediate family; through Timothy, it rippled out to touch thousands of lives in the bustling city of Ephesus and beyond.
This account serves as a powerful reminder that our words and actions don't simply disappear into the ether. They flutter out again and again, potentially remembered and treasured long after we're gone. For mothers especially, this realization can be both sobering and inspiring.
But what about situations where a godly influence seems to be lacking? The Bible doesn't mention Timothy's father playing a role in his spiritual upbringing. In fact, he's described as a "Greek," implying he wasn't a follower of the Jewish faith. Yet Timothy's mother and grandmother filled that void with their own godly presence.
This should serve as an encouragement to single mothers or those parenting alongside an unbelieving spouse. Your influence, coupled with God's presence in your life, can make all the difference. As the old saying goes, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." Your impact can be the saving grace in your children's lives.
For those who feel overwhelmed by this responsibility, take heart in the story of Susanna Wesley. Mother to 19 children (10 of whom survived to adulthood), Susanna faced incredible hardships. Her husband was a poor money manager with a violent temper, who once abandoned the family for an entire year. They lived in poverty, and their house burned down twice.
Despite these trials, Susanna remained steadfast in her commitment to instilling a love for God and His Word in her children. She spent an hour in private prayer daily and devoted an hour each week to each child individually, teaching and counseling them in spiritual matters.
The fruit of her labor? Two of her sons, John and Charles Wesley, became instrumental figures in the Methodist movement, changing the world for Christ. It's said that this powerful revival was "born on her lap."
While Susanna's story might seem superhuman, she was an ordinary woman who gave herself diligently to her family. Her example reminds us of the extraordinary potential within every parent who commits to raising their children in the faith.
So what's the key to leaving such a lasting impact? The answer lies in God's Word. As 2 Timothy 3:15-17 tells us, the Scriptures are "able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" and are "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
In a world where our children are bombarded by conflicting philosophies and worldviews, God's Word serves as their shield and guide. It's not enough to simply impart conventional wisdom or "mom's remedies." Our kids need the "incorruptible seed" of Scripture sown in their hearts.
This means actively engaging with the Bible in our homes. As Deuteronomy 6:6-9 instructs, we should talk about God's Word when we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up. It should be as ever-present as if it were written on our doorposts or bound to our foreheads.
Some might worry that this spiritual inheritance won't last. After all, there's a Chinese saying that "wealth never makes it to the third generation." But faith is different. Why? Because God has no grandchildren. Each generation must develop their own personal relationship with Him. When we lead our children to seek the Lord, He renews the covenant with every new generation.
This is crucial to understand. What's often been passed down in America is not a living, vital faith, but mere religion – church attendance and a vague respect for morality. This lifeless version of Christianity has no power to transform lives and rarely survives beyond a generation or two.
The good news is that we're seeing a resurgence of spiritual hunger among younger generations. They're recognizing the emptiness of life without God and the confusion that results from ignoring His Word. This presents an incredible opportunity for parents and grandparents to share the truth and model genuine faith.
To seize this moment, we must first ensure that we ourselves have a living, breathing relationship with God. We can't pass on what we don't possess. If you find yourself lacking in this area, take heart – today can be the beginning of a new chapter in your family's spiritual legacy.
By surrendering your life to Christ, accepting His forgiveness, and allowing His strength to replace your weakness, you can become the starting point for generations of faith. As Proverbs 31 suggests, your children and grandchildren will "rise up and call you blessed" when you choose to follow God wholeheartedly.
As we reflect on the power of a mother's influence and the lasting impact of faith passed down through generations, let's commit ourselves anew to sowing the incorruptible seed of God's Word in the hearts of our children. Though we may not see the full fruit of our labor in our lifetime, we can trust that God will watch over that seed, nurturing it with the sunshine and rain of His Spirit until it takes deep root in the generations to come.
May we be found faithful in this most sacred of callings, leaving a legacy that echoes into eternity.
Pastor Phil Morgan
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