“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” 2 Timothy:1:5
Not every child is as lucky as Timothy. We don’t all have pious mothers, and many who don’t still grow up to find Christ. We can’t inherit our faith. However, it is true that parents influence us, and I thought Mother’s Day is a good time to remember and celebrate that.
Did you know that when people are asked who had the greatest influence on their faith life the most common answer given is “my mother”? (I’m sure grandmothers are in the mix as well.) Children don’t “catch” their mothers’ faith through book learning or Bible reading, even if that goes on. They catch it from seeing a person who lives her life for Christ; a woman who practices what the Bible teaches. I remember reading years ago that children learn in three ways: by example, by example, and by example.
So to all of us who are mothers and grandmothers, let’s pray every day to be good examples of piety to our children and grandchildren — not the fake, whitewashed piety of the Pharisees, but the real deal; the kind they will respect and want to imitate. And if you’re not a parent, don’t worry! You’re still called to be a role model to younger Christians. You may be the Sunday School teacher, the Youth leader, the mentor who will always be remembered and cherished for pointing the way to Jesus.
Maybe some of our other authors and readers have stories they would like to share. Who were the women who modeled true piety in your life? Was it a mother, grandmother, Sunday School teacher or friend? I’d like to hear about them.
Lutheran Ladies Connection 