Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Women: Defenders of Faith

2 Timothy 1:1-8
 

For as long as I can remember, I have grown up knowing Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  My parents practically lived in the church and expected us, kids, to grow in faith and knowledge of our Savior.  But it was not until the first communion that I began to have a personal relationship with Christ.  My parents constantly prayed for us to know Christ and their prayers were a source of encouragement and strength.  

Knowing Christ has impacted the way I live.  And I have to say, that knowing Christ and understanding that we are the body of Christ, has had a profound impact on all walks of my life.
My parents communicated their strong Christian faith to us from an early age, and growing up in church, laid the foundation for my life as a Sunday School teacher, as a Friend, as a child, and more importantly as a parent.  

As a parent, I have tried lovingly to nurture my children to know Christ and have a personal relationship with Him.  Even though my family is rooted in Christ, it does not preclude us from insecurities, failures, shortcomings, and at times falling out of a personal walk with Christ.  But God’s grace allows us to return to the Father and feel His love and mercy again.  

Nothing I possess in life has any value than the infinite value of knowing Jesus Christ.  Philippians 3:7-9, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done…”.  

Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am 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.”  Here we see Paul being grateful to his ancestors for serving God and reminding Timothy of his sincere faith that was passed to him by his mother and grandmother.  Yes, we can pass on our homes, money, investments, and even knowledge to our kids and their kids, however, what is of true value that can be given to our children and their children is knowing and living a life that is rooted in Christ.  Living a life for Christ not only influences the way we live, but can influence an entire village, and community.  Knowing Christ and accepting the sacrifice He has made for us, and the promise of returning to us to bring us with Him to eternal life is the ultimate game changer.  With all my faults and weakness put aside, I am assured of eternal life.  Every day, I strive to grow closer in my walk with Christ.  

Paul also reminds Timothy, “to fan into flame the gift of God…”, and “not to be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…rather, join in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”  Having a legacy of knowing Christ does not necessarily guarantee us safe passage through our earthly life, but Paul asks Timothy to “join with him in suffering for the gospel by the power of God”.  Paul is encouraging Timothy to persevere, to hang on to the truth and to use the gifts he already has received, to step out boldly in faith and proclaim the gospel with the Holy Spirit with him to guide him.  When we use the gifts God gives us, we find that He will also give us the power we need to accomplish the task that is ahead of us.  God gives all Christians gifts to use to build up the body of Christ.

Lately, I find myself asking the question:  what will my legacy be?  Tomorrow is not guaranteed for my physical body.  But my eternal soul has been granted life because of the love and sacrifice that Jesus made for me on the cross.  He has assured me of a place in heaven.  It is my wish to see my loved ones in heaven when Jesus comes back to take us home.  

I want to be remembered for my values, and my love for Christ.  I want to be remembered as someone who tried my best to live faithfully, lovingly, and cheerfully.  I want my kids and their kids to know Christ and be willing to sacrifice their comforts to “fan the flames” for Christ.  I want them to be mature, bold, and clear in their discernment of keeping their eyes on the prize and not be intimidated by their youth.  I want my discipline, my actions, my words…everything, to be in alignment so that I can attain this same prize, which is eternal life with Christ.  I also want to invest my life to further His kingdom, then invest my life in physical wealth and stature.  I want to invest in eternal things than those that will crumble to dust.    This is the legacy I want to leave behind…a generational passage of love and faith rooted in Christ.

                                           Prayer

I pray that Christ leads my thoughts and my deeds to fulfill His will here on earth. Amen 


Elizabeth Abraham, St. Thomas MTC, New York

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