“Your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother . . and mother.” 2 Timothy 1:5 NIV.

Example works better than empty exhortation.

My thoughts and comments today are about “spiritual legacy.”

A lifetime is just not long enough for the investment poured into any individual or single generation. I have benefited vastly from the example and encouragement of family and friends. Because others freely shared their lives and examples of faith with me, I am a better man, husband, father, and friend than I would have been. “Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation.” Ronald Reagan. On whose shoulders are you standing? Imagine the costly waste of social, financial, educational, intellectual, and spiritual capital if every generation were left to learn the necessary life lessons without benefit of the experience and knowledge of previous generations.

Allow me to narrow the focus. Lessons of life and vital faith practices should be faithfully handed from generation to generation. Amid growing secularism and misapplied political correctness about religious pluralism, Christian families and churches must be vigilant to guard a vital practice of faith that is a transferable experience while its application is contemporary, personal, and individual.

I see a dynamic, spiritual principle in the letter of Paul to his young protégé, Timothy, “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.” Read 2 Timothy 1:4-7 NIV. Timothy was the beneficiary of a multi-generational, spiritual heritage of incomparable value. A Godly legacy is never coincidental; spiritual legacy is produced by clear and Godly intentionality. The transmission of your personal faith and Biblical convictions must not be left to chance.

The origin of EveryDay Life and the required discipline of its writing were an attempt to faithfully transfer to our children and grandchildren a proper understanding and practical application of the Bible’s wisdom, real faith, clear convictions, eternal values, and vital, spiritual practices entrusted to us from Gayle’s and my parents, grandparents, pastors, mentors, and Godly friends. Your life serves God’s purpose and your faith fulfills its promise when the lives of family, friends, and others embrace your faith and know your God. Be assured; it is never too late for that to be possible.

The faith was personal and practical that captured young Timothy’s heart; “. . a sincere faith which first lived in your grandmother and mother.” Sincere faith alive in one’s heart ignites spiritual life in others. Here’s how they accomplished such a transfer of faith; “. . from infancy, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus . . thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV. God’s Word works in real life. It is never too early to teach the truth of God’s Word. Be sure you model its truth.

Example works better than empty exhortation. “You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord . . and so you became a model to all the believers . . your faith in God has become known everywhere.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8 NIV. See Jude 3 NKJV.

My prayer for you today is that you will cherish the heritage of faith others labored to preserve.