Text: 2 Timothy 1:5 (CSB) – “ I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.”
Today, we are celebrating Mother’s Day. Mine is in Heaven with Jesus and my Father. I probably don’t need to tell you how much I miss her – but I would never want her to come back into this “vail of tears” in place of the beauty and wonder of Heaven. I want o share a few thoughts on Mothers today.
Mothers do influence their sons and daughters! One of life’s greatest blessings is to have a godly mother. And, thus, one of the greatest gifts you can give your children is to be a godly mother.
Timothy was a friend and associate of Paul from his 2nd missionary journey (Acts16) – Paul called him his son in the ministry, He was influenced by his mother and grandmother – Eunice [Eu (good) Nike (victory)] and Lois. His father was a Greek (Acts 16:1) and Eunice was probably a widow. She was an example of a Godly mother. The Bible lists some of the qualities that she had as a mother to Timothy (from Paul’s letter of 2nd Timothy)
Ø Genuine faith (1:5)
Ø Honored God’s Word (3:14 – 17)
Ø Timothy taught by both mother and grandmother (whom plural) (3:14)
Ø From a babe to salvation (3:15)
Ø Learned to live it (3:16)
o Know what is right
o Know what is not right
o Know how to get right
o Know how to stay right.
Ø Became complete (3:17)
President Theodore Roosevelt said, “When all is said, it is the mother, and the mother only, who is a better citizen than the soldier who fights for his country. The successful mother, the mother who does her part in rearing and training aright the boys and girls who are to be the men and women of the next generation, is of greater use to the community, and occupies, if she only would realize it, a more honorable as well as more important position than any man in it. The mother is the one supreme asset of the national life. She is more important, by far, than the successful statesman, or businessman, or artist, or scientist” (in Encyclopedia of 7,700 Illustrations, by Paul Tan [Assurance Publishers], p. 845).
So, if you are a Mother or Grandmother – today I salute you – I encourage you to understand how grand and great a task God has given to you. You really do hold the future in your arms. Seek to be like Timothy’s mother and grandmother.
If your Mother and/or Grandmother is still alive – be sure to show your gratitude and love to them today.
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