Monday, May 09, 2016

Faith From Mom

Many people have heard the verse that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and power and a self-discipline. It's a great verse, makes you feel good. No fear but love from God. Awesome. But do you know what prompted this statement?

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. ~ II Timothy 1:5-7 (NLT)

This verse came out of a reminder of where Timothy's faith came from, his mother and grandmother. Those women taught Tim who God was and His love for their son/grandson.

One of my biggest frustrations as a student minister is hearing parents say they don't want to force their faith on their child so they don't take them to church or tell them about Jesus. How is sharing the truth of your Savior "forcing" your faith? It's sharing your faith. If anything, how can someone (even a child) make an informed decision about God if they never hear about Him, especially from those close to them who love them?

Live your faith. Share your faith.

T

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