August 2020 — pg. 7
“No matter how we’ve
come to know, love and
serve Jesus, we need to
remember our story
and take note of those
who’ve invested in us.”
wrote about this, “Our generational differences do not
diminish our need for one another. We need exchange of
generational ideas, dreams, vision and wisdom. Young and
old belong at the table where discipleship is lived-out and
iron sharpens iron” (fmcusa.org/light-life/llmag2020).
Passing along the generational baton of faith isn’t
something we are called to do in the future. It’s a present
tense component of a vital faith journey. The Apostle
Paul lived this out in his relationship with Timothy. Look
at these words of instruction from a godly mentor to his
younger son in the faith:
“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” (2 Timothy 1:5).
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of
many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be
qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
Paul’s instruction to Timothy is so important for us to
understand and emulate. Take note of these basic principles
of “Bridging Generations”:
Remember Your Story
God has no grandchildren, but Timothy had an
amazing family spiritual history. His grandmother, Lois,
and mother, Eunice, were devout Christ-followers. Paul
reminds Timothy of the impact these godly women had
on his life and then takes it a step further by exhorting
Timothy because Paul sees that same sincere faith in him.
Those must have been humbling, impactful words for
Timothy.
Some of us have the advantage of being raised in Christian
homes. Some of us are first-generation Christians. Both
journeys are reminders of God’s grace, and both journeys
have unique challenges. No matter how we’ve come to
know, love and serve Jesus, we need to remember our story
and take note of those who’ve invested in us. As you read
these words, take a moment and give God praise because
you are the benefactor of those who have invested in and
loved you to Jesus.
Keep the Path Clear
I love this phrase from my friend Ed McDowell, the
executive director of Warm Beach Camp. We are called to
“keep the path clear to the cross.” We should live our lives
in such a way that our single focus is pointing people to
Jesus in any and every way we can.
At this time, we are being called to listen, hear and
respond as never before. For some of us, the thought that
/llmag2020
/llmag2020)