When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
II Timothy 1:5-6 NKJV
Timothy’s mother and grandmother gave him a legacy of genuine faith.
Definitely, a treasure worth passing on.
This genuine faith wasn’t a happenstance, but a choice by both women to follow God and in their devotion to the Lord they planted seeds of this same faith into Timothy.
We must be purposeful if we want to leave a legacy like this.
Our faith must be genuine as well.
Romans 3:25 NKJV — whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
For those who have believed and received salvation it should be evident in lives surrendered to Jesus.
Our choices, our time, our character all plant seeds for the future.
And God’s Word makes it apparent, our lives today leave a legacy for tomorrow.
God’s Word also clearly commands we live out our faith daily, especially before our children.
Deuteronomy 4:9 NKJV — “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,
Both Lois and Eunice followed this verse.
And it’s truth is as applicable today as it was thousands of years ago.
For the Bible clearly teaches us we leave a legacy of one kind or of the other.
Proverbs 3:35 NKJV — The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
Proverbs 11:29 NKJV — He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
All the truths of leaving behind a godly legacy can be true of leaving behind a poor one.
Galatians 6:7 NKJV — Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
It is not difficult to leave a legacy of ungodliness.
History is full of those recorded for all to remember their folly or their evil.
And for each one whose life made enough ripple to be written down how many more are there who simply chose to live unto themselves rather than in service to others.
But there is hope.
It’s never too late to begin leaving a legacy of genuine faith.
It’s never too late to speak words of humility, apology, encouragement, truth, or wisdom.
It’s never too late to seek God personally so your life can be used by Jesus to plant seeds in the future.
What kind of legacy are you planting today?
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for truth. Lord, please make me like Lois and Eunice, please continue to build and grow genuine faith in my life and use my life to plant seeds into our children and grandchildren. Lord Jesus, help me to see opportunities You give to encourage, love, support, and bring Your Word to. Please keep me from causing harm in anyway, but instead please use me to touch others. Lord Jesus, on my own I can do nothing, it is only in You working through me that I find ability. Thank You. Thank You for all You have done and are doing and will do. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 