Timothy, an Example of Generational Faith

The only time Timothy’s grandmother Lois is mentioned in the Bible is that she passed on her faith to her daughter and grandson. Paul writes that she was a godly grandmother and gives us a glimpse of what caused Timothy to become a godly man, serving the Lord with Paul and writing two books of the Bible. It appears that Paul was his spiritual father.

“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” (II Timothy 2:5).

When Timothy left his home to travel with Paul and minister in the churches, he left with his own faith, not his mother, or his grandmother’s. If we are godly grandparents that should be our goal. Our children and grandchildren do not inherit our faith but we can pray they will accept our faith, grow in their relationship with the Lord, and pass it on to their future generations.

In her book Living the Lois Legacy, Helen K. Hoosier writes, “Eunice and Lois must have rejoiced as they saw Paul’s mantle fall upon this much-loved young man. Never let anyone say that family religion is not of importance. . . And never let anyone try to tell you that an inheritance of godly traditions cannot be passed on.” ₁

Today’s children need a model to follow of those who have gone before them, not just surviving but also overcoming in the journey of life. I am very grateful that I have had the privilege of having a godly faith passed down to me by those who have gone before me. My prayer is for my children and grandchildren will accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, grow into an intimate relationship, and pass a godly faith on to their future generations. If you are a first generation believer in Jesus Christ, you have the opportunity to pass on your faith to your future generations.

Let’s pray that we as grandparents will pray intentionally, nurture our grandchildren, and model a godly life before them so they will pass a godly faith to their generation.

What is your goal for your children and grandchildren? (Comment below)

₁ Helen Kooiman Hosier, Living the Lois Legacy, (Wheaton, IL, Tyndale House, 2002), p 5.
© Lillian Penner 2011