I
am so glad that Paul mentioned the role that Timothy's mother and grandmother
played in Timothy's spiritual walk (2 Timothy 1:5; Acts 16:1). Their example as
Godly women made a huge impact in his life.
We
may get discouraged, because some of our children or grandchildren ignore, and
at times, disdain our Christian witness. This does not mean that we are
necessarily at fault - although if we are condemning or hypocritical in some
area, we may be the culprit.
It
means that they looked at our life, and chose instead, with their free will
that God gives to all of us, to reject the Light and Living Water in us, and to
listen to the lies of the devil and the deceitfulness of the world (Romans
1:32, 12:2; John 3:19).
We
can still love and accept them as a person, even if we cannot approve of or
affirm their lifestyle and choices. Our paramount need and responsibility is to
stay on our knees, asking God to help them to see Jesus as their Way, Truth and
Life (John 14:6).
When
we consider the purposes of God, and the resources of His glorious spiritual
riches, we pray that God will strengthen their inner being and shower them with
His abounding love. This will enable them to repent of their sins and actually
allow Christ to abide in their heart by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9, 3:16).
Our
children, nieces and nephews, neighborhood children, and children in our church
family are all our mission field. We are called by God to impart to them our
love for Jesus, as well as our devotion to His Kingdom above any duty we feel
toward this world.
We
start by loving them as Christ loves us. We live honestly before them -
admitting when we make mistakes, and apologizing to them when we are wrong. God
give us the humility and grace to do this honestly and sincerely.
Prayer:
Father
God, we want Your Holy Spirit to continually transform us into the likeness of
Jesus every single day. We do not want to grow cold toward You or Your Kingdom,
but to live as passionate followers of Christ during every moment of our life
(Revelations 3:15-16). Thank You for loving us while we were still sinners
(Romans 5:8).
Place
us in our community as a light on the hill (Matthew 5:14). We want others to be
drawn to You through Your Light and Living Water flowing out of us (John
4:4-26). We totally surrender our goals, desires, and will to Your Spirit; and
we want nothing more in this life than to be Your servant (1 Corinthians 7:22)
and a vessel for Your glory (Romans 9:23).
Thought
for the Day:
As
we invite God to be glorified in us, we can be an example of a Christ-centered life
through our word and deeds in our home, vocation, church family and community.
