Growing Multigenerational Faithಮಾದರಿ

“and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2, ESV

In this passage, Paul refers to the fact that he and Timothy spent many hours travelling together and living life together as Paul went about teaching and preaching. Timothy witnessed the old apostle in many situations, on good days and bad, in trials and challenges. Most of all, he saw the influence that Paul’s relationship with Jesus had on his life and teaching. The saying goes that “faith is caught, not taught.” It’s also said that “life gives birth to life.” Timothy was trained on the job. What Paul did, Timothy did. This is what Paul meant when he encouraged the Corinthians to “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” I Corinthians 11:1, ESV

Jesus’ disciples became so because they were with him. They observed and listened to him. They lived life with Him. Whether it be family, friends, or colleagues, everyone who lives life with us will be affected and influenced by us in one way or the other. To some degree, they will become like us. Are we enough like Christ that we can encourage those around us to “follow me like I follow Him”?

As followers of Christ, our main purpose is to make disciples. The way we make a disciple is to BE a disciple. When we do that, we will begin to see those around us become disciples. We can then—like Paul—encourage our disciples to invest their lives in the making of other disciples.

Tom & Kathy L.

Questions to Consider

• Who are you spending intentional time with, and how is Jesus showing up in that time?
• How can you invite people you care about to experience faith alongside you so you can talk about it together?

Actions to Take

• Be intentional about inviting someone to spend time with you.
• Be intentional about sharing your everyday faith experiences with those you are around.

Prayer to Make

Lord Jesus, thank you for your model of walking with others and sharing life with them. Help me to be like that today with the people you will put around me. Help them see more of you and less of me. Amen.