5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
Godly parents and grandparents can make a monumental difference in an individual’s faith journey. Never underestimate your power to influence generations for Jesus. When we have sincere faith, faith that is unhypocritical, that is consistently practiced in our lives, our children and grandchildren can see it, and it will affect them. Timothy had a great godly heritage. Notice that it was all the women in his family that Paul says had the greatest influence for God. I am not sure where the men were, whether they were believers, alive, or what. All we know is that the women made Timothy the man of God he became. They passed on to him something that lasted throughout his life. What are you passing on to those around you? Will it last a lifetime? Do you want it to last? Perhaps you are not living that consistent life you know is needed and you see it leaking out of your kids in undesirable ways. Your rebellion is being manifested in their lives. The cure: you get right with God today. Don’t put if off. Confess your sins, be honest about your failures, and do it face to face with God. Yes, it is going to be painful, but few things that are truly worthwhile are painless. After repenting fully, just live moment by moment a consistent life that reflects God’s character. Don’t try to preach at friends and family, just live it over time, years if need be. If you truly change, they will see it and be forced to deal with their own failings. And you won’t have to say a word with your mouth. Your life will preach the grace of God to change even the biggest sinner, you. If it can get through to you and change your life, it can change theirs. We must not be two-faced, living one life when we have on our Jesus face, and another during the rest of our lives. Our Jesus face comes out at church or when we are feeling righteous. It smacks of plastic and people see right around it. We are only fooling ourselves. Sincere faith manifests itself in a consistent life, a life that treats all people with the dignity with which Jesus treats us. I have some growing to do here. My thoughts about some people are not God’s thoughts about them. I need a good washing of my brain and attitude. Lord, forgive, cleanse, renew and change me. I need it.
The Arnold Journey 