A Mother’s Legacy

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it.
Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Parents are the #1 influence in their children’s lives. Parents don’t always believe this. In a recent survey, parents placed themselves last in the line-up of influences on their children – after friends, teachers, and media.  But when the youth answered the same question, they placed their parents first!

Romans 12:2 was written specifically about parenting, but it contains much truth for parents. Paul writes, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect!"

When Paul reminded Timothy about those who invested in his life, he wrote: "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). Paul was certain that the sincere faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother continued strongly in him. Timothy's mind was transformed by the Word of God from the consistent teaching provided by his mother and grandmother.

God's Word does not return void because our hearts are changed. God’s Word rebukes us and corrects us when we are wrong, and it trains us in godly living (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

There is a strong, ever-present temptation to "confirm to the world." This means to be drawn to it, to be enamored by it, and to imitate it. This is perhaps an especially strong draw to young people who have been raised in Christian homes. As parents, we send mixed signals to our children when our hearts aren't in tune with Jesus and we aren't experiencing the daily renewal of our minds by being in His Word.

Our faith must be sincere if we are to pass on sincere faith to our children.

Parents, I want to leave you with five questions Paul Tripp recommends for parents. These questions providing an opportunity to speak to the heart of a child and share the wisdom of Scripture, which won't return void.

• What was going on? (Just to have a brief understanding of what happened)
• What were you thinking and feeling as it was happening? (Getting into the thoughts of the heart)
• What did you do in response?
• Why did you do it? What were you seeking to accomplish? (Revealing the motives of the heart)
• What were the results?