A Mother’s Influence

II Timothy 1:5 states,

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

In the Christian faith, the parental role in a child’s life is critical. The Scriptures give us clear evidence of this fact.  Deuteronomy 31:19 instructed parents to teache their children the word of God.  Proverbs 22:6 states:  “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

The faith which Timothy demonstrated was promulgated from the “unfeigned faith,” which was first demonstrated by his mother and grandmother. Unfeigned is declarative, as it indicates sincerity, genuineness, and a faith without hypocrisy. This conveys the idea that their faith was authentic and that they did not merely profess religion outwardly; they truly believed and lived according to God’s Word. Their faith was a spiritual inheritance passed down to Timothy.

This shows us that mothers and grandmothers play an important role in the spiritual development of their children and grandchildren. Mama and Grandma, your actions will cause your children to follow in your footsteps, either for good or for bad.

Paul’s statement clearly indicates that he believed the faith Timothy possessed was the result of the faith he had obviously seen in Timothy’s mother and grandmother.  

The obvious question is: Who taught Timothy? Eunice and Lois taught their son and grandson the Scriptures. Eunice and Lois demonstrated authentic faith before their son and grandson.

Church, if we want a strong church that will endure, we must train our children in the knowledge of the Word of God. We must teach them by our example to be faithful to God. This is demonstrated by authentic:

• Faithful attendance

• Faithful giving

• Faithful prayers

• Faithful love and compassion for others both inside and outside the church

Through his mother and grandmother’s influence Timothy became a Christian, he became a preacher and teacher of the Gospel and he became a leader of the early Church.   However who he became and what he accomplished was planted in him by the influence of Lois and Eunice. 

Mothers your are on the front line and your efforts impact and influence the future lives of your children.  How you live, what you do and what you believe in will shape and influence your children’s lives.  Their future success begins with your influence.