“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).
The eighteenth century American-born painter Benjamin West used to tell the story of how he happened to choose that particular profession. He said that one day as a young boy, while he was babysitting his little sister Sally, he decided to paint a picture of her using coloured ink. His mother had gone out for a while, and when she returned there were ink spots everywhere. But instead of scolding Benjamin, she marvelled at his painting, exclaiming “Why, it’s Sally!” then gave him a kiss. He said that her act of encouraging him—her kiss—is what made him a painter.
Mothers can impact the lives of their children in countless ways, but the most important way a mother can influence and shape her child’s future is by nurturing his or her spiritual development.
As a believer in Christ, Eunice, the mother of Timothy, understood the critical nature of this spiritual nurturing. While he was still a young child, she taught him about God and the essential truths of His Word. But she didn’t just speak these truths—she also lived them. She taught her son by example.
Eunice was apparently married to an unbeliever, a Greek man. Her husband would not share the burden of teaching Timothy to love and honour the Lord. This made her role as a spiritual leader for Timothy even more important. And it’s clear from Scripture that she carried out her mission with great success, for her son was filled with “genuine faith.”
If you are a mother, you should know that you have the most important job with which a person can be entrusted. In our troubled world it’s a daunting task, but God will strengthen and guide you in your quest to teach your children and to encourage them to choose and honour Him.
The love and influence of Christian mothers is something we should all be thankful for every day of our lives.
Dear God, I’m grateful to You for the wonderful influence of Christian mothers around the world.
