2 Timothy 1:5-7
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One recent Sunday as we ate our Burger King lunch, Timothy launched into a presentation of several lines from the vintage film, “Frosty the Snowman”…as in, “When the thermometer turns red, I start to melt. I don’t like red thermometers.” He went on for several minutes. We don’t know what prompted this, but he often quotes movie lines. He is a walking encyclopedia of movie excerpts. Zola has begun to find her “voice,” and often, she mimics Timothy – or the adults around her. For instance, on a recent trip to the playground, she kept saying, “Be careful, Timmy! Be careful!” I know she had heard either Greg or me say that to her big brother. Let me tell you, Timothy and Zola miss virtually NOTHING!
I know I sound like a broken record, but someone is almost always watching. They see when you gripe and complain in the grocery store line. They notice when you smile and say “Hello.” They observe how you interact with your family members and friends…whether you are kind and considerate – or rude and obnoxious. People notice when you speak to them…and when you don’t! People also pay attention to whether your talk matches your actions – or doesn’t. So when you sing in the youth choir – or are front and center at every Bible study and worship service – then speak unkindly about someone or always seem to have an axe to grind…others take note!
When “Christians” talk about their faith and how much God means to them in one breath…and belittle the less fortunate or spew hateful remarks about those who differ in their politics, denomination or religious belief, race, creed, color and/or sexual orientation…all of that “witness” goes out the window. Who will believe you when you say you care, if you have behaved in a manner that indicates anything other than compassion and acceptance?
I realize that all of us say or do things at one time or another that are ungodly…or at best, not very nice. But in general, I was blessed that my upbringing apparently included more examples of tolerance and compassion than those that were undisciplined or exclusive. And I am trying very hard to be a good example to those whom I encounter – of all ages - but especially the younger ones. When I see Timothy and Zola greet others politely and with a smile…when I hear them speak to others and answer, “I’m just fine…how are you?” to those who inquire of them…I am blessed. I see God working in these little children to create a spirit of love and compassion for others…and I am more determined to foster a spirit of power and self-discipline in them, their little brother Nathan, and other youngsters whom we encounter. Perhaps someday they will look back and think of their Uncle Greg and Aunt Debbie as faith-filled Christians who demonstrated God’s love and care to others – and taught them to do the same.
What about you? Regardless of your upbringing, you have the ultimate “Fatherly” example of how to treat others in the life of Jesus Christ. You have God’s word…and if you are in close communication with Him, you have His guidance and understand His will. Essentially, you have no excuse for behaving with a “spirit of fear and timidity”. If you are truly listening to God and following His lead, you can’t help but operate in His power and unconditional love for others. Because of God’s influence, you should be able to exercise self-discipline and keep your words, thoughts and actions in line with His will and Jesus’ example.
It’s time for us to take a personal assessment…time to give our lives a good hard look…to examine what we are showing to others. People are watching and listening…they are looking at us and deciding whether or not we demonstrate Jesus’ love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion.
When others look at you…what do they see? More importantly, what image of Jesus are you sharing with them? Will the faith of those who preceded you continue strongly through you and on to future generations? Will it even be visible at all?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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