For as long as I can remember, my mom loves to sing. Whether she’s cooking, sitting in the car, or during our family devotions, she can be heard singing a worship song … good times, bad times, all the time.
I caught that at an early age and thought it was worth copying. I enjoyed it so much that I have even sung duets with my mom during programs at our church. (I’d share the video with you friends, but it was the late 80s … ‘nough said!)
My mom has taught me countless lessons over the years, both spoken and unspoken. It ranges from how to take care of a home to how to relate to people in an honoring way. But what I am most grateful for is her heart which loves to worship. I realize what a blessing it is for me to not only have such a godly influence but to have a heritage of faith from my parents and grandparents.
The impact of such an influence can be found in 2 Timothy 1:5 (TPT), in which Paul tells Timothy, “as I think of your strong faith that was passed down through your family line. It began with your grandmother Lois, who passed it on to your dear mother, Eunice. And it’s clear that you too are following in the footsteps of their godly example.”
Timothy had learned to love the Lord and His people through the example set by his family. This coupled with the apostle Paul training him propelled him into working for the kingdom of God as we read in the New Testament.
While I am aware that we all may not come from such an upbringing, we certainly can have such an impact through the children, nephews and nieces, grandchildren, and neighbors kids the Lord has entrusted us with. We can teach everything from how to make a bed to how to drive and those are essential. But do you know we can teach them about God and His Word in these everyday things?
When someone we interact with is rude, our kids are watching. Are we responding or reacting? Does it point them to the Lord?
When we face a difficult circumstance, do the words that come out of our mouth speak life or death? Does it point them to God’s Word?
I know none of us are perfect and we make plenty of mistakes along the way, me being the first!
During those instances, I humble myself and apologize, asking my kids to forgive me for not setting the correct example. Believe it or not, a repentant heart points them to the Lord and His Word because they will see we actually practice what we preach.
May the Lord help each of us to set a godly example for each and every Timothy strategically placed in our lives.
~Joyce
