Submitted by Jim Garner
With aging parents
our family has had the opportunity to go through lots of closets, cabinets, and
crannies over the past few years. We have discovered everything from lost items
and collectibles we haven’t seen in years to the best of junk that any packrat
would love. Some things we have wanted
and some things…well…you know.
At some point in time, many of these “pass it on” items have meant
something special to the owner. It might be a thing they made, earned, or were
even recognized for a special achievement. It might have been an heirloom that
their family members had passed down through the decades and now it was their
turn to host. It might not necessarily be worth a lot of money on the open
market, but to that family it is special and brings back warm memories.
When it comes to passing things down or giving things away we do it
because it meant something valuable to us and we want someone else to have the
joy or blessing of owning or using it. What a privilege it was to enjoy it but
now it is even a greater joy to share it with a family member or friend.
The truth be told, there are many things we hold in high esteem like
this in our families. And it is good to enjoy, appreciate, and share. But in
reality, these things are only earthly material items and will not last or make
a difference for eternity.
However, we do have something eternally valuable and significant to pass
along to others. What is it? It’s our
faith, a gift that we enjoy here on earth and will for eternity. But it is not
just ours to hold on to and never share with others. It is a gift that keeps
giving. It has changed our personal lives and countless others around us –
family, friend, and even enemy.
“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)
Paul, in his letter to Timothy, reminds him of
the importance and personal side of faith. It was real and life changing. He
used the word “sincere”. It mattered to Paul and you can see how he wanted
Timothy to know just how special it was and should not be taken for
granted. This faith was evident not only
in Timothy but in his grandmother and mother. They all had impacted his life
spiritually. They didn’t hide their faith from Timothy but lived it out in
front of him and others. This spiritual heritage would not end with them or
Timothy. Paul goes on to encourage Timothy in this passage to “fan into flame the gift of God” (v.6), “not be ashamed of the
testimony” (v.8), and “guard the good deposit” (v.14).
(2 Timothy 1) As we can clearly see, our faith is to be given away to impact
others.
So as we think about our faith and what we
have received as a gift from God and others, let’s consider the following:
·
Who passed on to you
their spiritual heritage (faith) that led to your becoming a follower of
Christ?
·
Since becoming a
“follower”, what person has impacted your spiritual journey the most or how
have you been impacted most spiritually?
·
Who are you
intentionally passing on your faith?
I’ve received some nice, memorable things from family that I will always
hold special to me. It reminds me of good times we had together, special
relationships we had, and purpose I’m supposed to have in life. I will never
take it for granted.
But most importantly, I’ll never forget the spiritual heritage my mother,
Mary Ruth Garner, passed on to me. She raised me going to church where I had
solid biblical preaching and teaching, opportunities to grow and serve, and
positive male mentors in my life. But at the start of it and heart of it was my
mother’s love for Jesus and me that she made sure I knew and would never
forget. It’s been 25 years since my mom passed away, but I’m forever grateful
for the heritage she has left me and still lives on today in me and my family.
“You then, my son, be strong in the
grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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 2:1-2)
One of our favorite songs we used to sing back in youth group in the
80’s was “Pass It On”. What a classic song in music and meaning. The words of
this great hymn echo still today in meaning especially when it comes to sharing
our faith and spiritual heritage. Check out the first verse below and “pass it
on”.
“It only takes a spark to get a fire going, And soon all those around
can warm up in its glowing; That's how it is with God's love, once you've
experienced it: you spread His love to everyone, you want to pass it on.
