I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in your through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
--2 Timothy 1:3-7
Lois and Eunice, a mother and grandmother lived and left a legacy in the life of their preacher son, Timothy. What is a mother’s legacy? It is a legacy to give her faith to the seceding generations. That faith is living as an example of God’s amazing grace of Christ in your life.
Notice what Paul said concerning Timothy’s faith. He said the genuine faith that lived first in Timothy’s grandmother and mother, also was passed on to him. The word “genuine” in this verse means “sincere faith” or “faith without hypocrisy.” It is a real faith that begins with a relationship and continues in a relationship with Christ. Not religion, but a relationship.
Timothy’s dad was apparently not a Christian, and yet this mother and grandmother stepped up to fill the gap in Timothy’s life. His mother, Eunice, was a godly Jewish woman who became a believer (Acts 16:1). She received Christ into her life and the development of Timothy was a result of her godly faith.
Both grandmother and mother taught Timothy the Word of God growing up. Paul said to Timothy, “from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy
Why did they make such a difference in the life of Timothy? Because they were consistent, godly examples in his life. They were faithful encouragers. The faith of these women blossomed in Timothy and for many generations after this genuine faith continued because it was convincing and therefore it was contagious. The greatest advantage you can give your child to have the best opportunities and be successful in life is to give them faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
WE CANNOT EXPECT OUR FAITH TO LIVE BEYOND US
UNLESS OUR FAITH FIRST LIVES WITHIN US.