Our Spiritual Heritage

Recently, I had one of those spiritual Aha! moments . . . I was the guest preacher at a Christian community on Lake Michigan where my family owns a cottage. My grandparents were strong Christians who began going there in 1938. It is a place where my mom’s faith was formed and shaped by my grandmother’s, who eventually passed it on to me. Now, almost 80 years later, while there preaching, I had a strong sense I was standing in the spiritual legacy of my grandmother and mother.

At the start of his second letter to Timothy, Paul is again writing from a Roman prison. He immediately frames the letter by reminding Timothy of his spiritual heritage. Paul remembers the “genuine faith” of both Timothy’s grandmother and mother, and he reminds him is his also (v 5). All of us have people in our lives who have contributed to our faith in Jesus and its flourishing. Without them, we wouldn’t be the people we are today.

Paul also reminds Timothy that through the Holy Spirit’s power, he can rekindle or strengthen the gift God has given him for ministry (1 Tim. 4:14). This is a dynamic gift for others, a charisma in the Greek. It is like Paul is saying to Timothy, “Go for it; live into the fullness of your faith!” And yet, to guard against self-reliance, Paul is also quick to remind Timothy of the Holy Spirit’s purpose in our lives. From time to time, all of us face overwhelming fear, but we don’t have to be consumed by it. Through the Spirit’s power, we are free to love, we are filled with God’s presence, and we are able to think with a sound mind.

Who in your life has helped shape and influence your faith in Jesus? Thank God for each person by name.

Respond in Prayer

Powerful God, thank you that your presence in my life is dynamic, not static. Today, fill me supernaturally with your love, power, and presence of mind so that I can live into the fullness of my faith! Thank you for those who are a part of my spiritual heritage. Bring me someone to whom I can pass along my spiritual legacy. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Meg Saunders

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).