A Godly Heritage

A Godly Heritage

Eunice And Lois

Read: 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15

Elise rolled the letter up tightly and pushed it into the base of her bouquet. Her mom couldn’t be at the wedding, but Elise would carry her words close to her heart. Later, the letter would go into the pink satin box along with similar letters from other important milestones in her life—from her birthdays, first day of school, entering high school, first date, college graduation. Elise’s first year of life had been her mom’s last, and her mother had spent it recording her hopes, dreams, and prayers for her daughter’s future. With no memories of her mom, Elise clung all the more tightly to her heritage, expressed through those precious letters.

The Bible mentions Eunice and Lois by name only once, but these women also left a powerful legacy that lived on long after they died. This mother and grandmother dedicated themselves to teaching the Scriptures to their son and grandson, Timothy, from his early childhood. Their daily lives also demonstrated faith in action. As a result of his godly heritage, Timothy became a leading evangelist whose ministry led countless people to know Jesus as the Messiah. Eunice and Lois had no idea of the role their son and grandson would play in early Christianity, but their legacy lives on to this day.

Some kind of heritage has been passed down to each of us, whether godly or otherwise. We didn’t choose it, but we do decide how we respond to that legacy. Just as many Americans choose to reject our nation’s heritage of government based on godly principles, individuals choose whether or not to follow what they were taught. Each of us will also leave a legacy to those who come after us, shaped by the way we live our lives. The best kind of heritage to pass on is love for God and a commitment to follow him.

Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

Psalm 119:111 (NKJV)