...servants

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 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.” 2 Timothy 1:3-5

It seems like an eternity ago that I was a kid who lived near a Christian college campus in Nampa, Idaho. That narrows it down for those of you who are familiar with the area. Back in the day (I think that is how they now refer to the good old days) meals were served in a dining hall, family style.

My mom was one of several women who cooked in the dining hall kitchen. These were not just cooks, they were women who loved the Lord and were godly “mothers” to students who were far away from home attending college. It was not uncommon to see students sharing their joys and sorrows with one or more of these precious women.

If the truth were known, these wonderful (cook-mother-confidant-spiritual advisors) probably did as much or more to shape the spiritual lives of many of the students than their professors. Why? Because they were the real thing! The cooks did not simply serve up home cooked food, they served up the reality of God’s Word in action.

The apostle Paul, was very much aware of the powerful influence that Timothy’s mother and grandmother had in him being shaped and molded into a man of God. The faith of these two women was passed along to Timothy.

Sometimes it is hard for men to admit that their mother or grandmother played a significant role in their spiritual life. They would rather take all of the credit themselves and even belittle these precious women who loved them enough and loved Jesus enough to point them to Christ.

It really does not matter who has touched your life for Christ. The important thing is to fan the flames of faith in your life and get busy helping others. The one or ones you help may be family or friends. It really does not matter who they are–just share Jesus with the one nearest to you.

If you are a bit reticent about whether you are qualified, let me share what Paul wrote in Galatians 3:26-29: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

You may be a mother, grandmother, father, grandfather, educated or uneducated, wealthy or in poverty, young or old, native born or another race—there is no excuse for not sharing and caring. Commit yourselves to be God’s FAITHFUL SERVANTS!

-cecil thompson