Written by Naraiane Silva, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (2Ti 1:5 NIV)
Telling people what to do is a far cry from showing people what to do.
When I merely utter words hoping someone will act, it's unlikely that person will do so, and if that person is my son or daughter, the probability decreases even further. However, when I put my words into practice, the chances of being heard are much greater. We see Eunice and Lois applying this in practice with their son and grandson Timothy. They were Jewish and converted to Christianity in Lystra after hearing a sermon by the apostle Paul, and from then on, with great zeal, they instructed Timothy in the principles of God's Word.
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Dt 6:6-7)
This mother and daughter did such important work together through Timothy that they have become an inspiration to us today.
And Timothy's father? He was Greek and probably died in the early years of his son's life.
And what about the fathers of our generation? Some have died like Timothy's father, others fulfill their roles as fathers, and still others leave the spiritual responsibilities of their children in the hands of the women. The fact is that many mothers find themselves alone in the responsibility of leading their children to God. I myself am one of those mothers.
I began serving God when my son was nine years old, and my daughter was one year old, and I can say that I have spent many years praying for both of them. I have led them to God through my examples of faith in practice, in everyday life. I have taught them to pray, but they need to see me praying.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (Jas 5:16b)
I have taught them to be grateful, but they need to see me being grateful. I have taught them to be generous, but they need to see me being charitable. I have taught them to ask God when they need something, but they need to see me being dependent on God first. Genuine faith develops through practice, not just theory.
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (Jas 2:17)
This faith, which was seen in Timothy and mentioned by the apostle Paul, was likely practiced in every meal, in every devotional time, in every nightly prayer, and in observing the attitudes of his mother and grandmother.
Eunice and Lois are notable for the seed of the gospel planted in Timothy; their dedication was recorded to inspire women like me, who need a lot of courage and dedication to fulfill the beautiful ministry that is motherhood.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9)
Today my son is 15 years old, and my daughter is seven, and they face constant challenges that can only be overcome with God. I believe that my secret tears are being dried and my heavy burden is becoming light through my true faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. (Ps 126:5)
This is the faith I want my children to develop, and this is the faith that will be awakened in them if they see me praying, reading the Bible, meeting with my brothers and sisters, and leading a worthy and devout life.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1Co 11:1)
It is small, consistent daily actions that lead children to Heaven.
