Legacy

2 Timothy 1:5-7

5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Examine / Explain

Paul had relational equity with Timothy’s family. He knew his mother and grandmother to call them out by name. They displayed a sincere walk in their faith. Also, Paul spent time with Timothy, discipling him, laying hands, and praying for him. Timothy’s spiritual gift must have bubbled up to the top during this time. I assume Timothy was not using his gift to its full potential, and Paul reminded him that if we are in Christ, we have His power, His ability to Agape Love, and the prudence to know how to be in situations.

How do I apply this to my life?

My mind went all over the place while I read these verses. I think it is because it is quoted so often. I had to dig deeper. I completely understand the call to fan the flame of our spiritual gifts. We can feel stale in our walk with Christ if we are not using the gifts He has given us. If we leave our abilities on the shelf, we try to accomplish our assignment, task, and mission within our own strength. We are doomed to fail. But by working out our salvation and knowing our strength, we can lean into what we are called to do. But at the same time, we can’t look at it strictly with our human eyes. These are spiritual gifts. In my time, I have tried several of those tests to see what my spiritual gifts are. Teaching, prophecy, and discernment are usually at the top of the list. I believe I am at my best when flexing these “muscles.” And when we are doing what we are supposed to be doing, what kind of legacy are we leaving behind? Because of Timothy’s mother and grandmother’s faith in Jesus, Timothy was also a follower. I’ve never dug deeper into this, but what about his father? What did Timothy miss out on? What was his situation? It may be mentioned in other verses, but for his father not to be mentioned here causes me anguish. My heart is heavy for men to step up in their families and lead. Not to pull out a whiteboard and dissect the bible in nightly bible study in their living room. But to have their life on display for their family and walk in the path of Christ. For men to display agape love to others. We must move and deal with situations with Christ’s heart in mind. For us not to be passive or apathetic in our daily lives. For men to NOT PUT THEIR HOBBY OVER THEIR FAMILY! Take them with you. Be intentional with teaching them how to live. Because if you don’t, they will catch how you are living, and they will live it out.

What is my response?

Father, I want to leave a Godly legacy to my children and bonus children. I want to believe I’ve done everything I can to point them to Jesus. Not that I got it right 100% of the time, but that I at least was trying and praying that You handled the rest. That I have done enough in stewarding what was under my leadership so that one day, when or if they have children of their own, they will do the same. Just like Lois and Eunice. Let me use my gifts, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses to advance a kingdom-minded legacy with all those around me. Draw out the spirit of timidity and show me how to live in Christ’s power. His ability to love unconditionally. As well as in His sound mind. I need the ability to understand the situations I’m in and act accordingly. I know I get wrapped up in my comfort far too often. Help me change that, in Jesus’s name. Amen.