Words of Life: An Enduring Legacyනියැදිය

Legacy: faith moving forward.

The apostle Paul, in writing to his young protégé Timothy, addresses him as ‘my dear son’. This is no mere sentiment; rather, it is a testament to the deep bond that had developed between them as they shared in the mission to which God had called them. Timothy had joined Paul on his second and third missionary journeys, traveling throughout Asia Minor preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Along the way, as their teacher and student partnership evolved, Timothy became Paul’s ‘true son in the faith’ (1 Timothy 1:2).

Over the course of seven years together, Paul passed on his wisdom and encouragement, coaching and guiding Timothy in his own faith as he nurtured him in his growing leadership role. Their experiences together – the joys and sorrows, the victories and the trials – undoubtedly deepened and strengthened their relationship in ways neither could have expected.

But Timothy didn’t learn just from Paul. In verse five, Paul writes: ‘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.’ It is noteworthy that Paul mentions Timothy’s mother and grandmother by name. What wonderful role models they must have been!

This is what legacy is all about – it is passing on our faith, sharing the love and joy of the Lord, and being salt and light in a world so desperately in need of the Saviour.

This Words of Life plan focuses on legacy. We have an enduring mission that God has placed upon us, both as individuals and as an Army. Like Timothy, we benefit from those who have gone before – those who have shared their faith, guiding and encouraging us in ours. Some of us have family – generations who have gone before us, sharing the family’s Kingdom values year after year. Many of us have others to thank – friends, colleagues, Salvationists, officers, and all those who have supported us in our faith journey.

As we begin these months of exploring legacy through Scripture, I thank God for those who have spoken into my life, who have shown me in word and deed what it truly means to live in the love and grace of our heavenly Father. And I commit to extending that legacy by sharing that same love of God both near and far.