By Pastor Stuart Weist
First Baptist Church of Preston
Labor Day has passed, school is back in session, and everywhere children are starting a new academic year. This is a legacy of education that has been marching forth from generation to generation. It’s always fun to hear a young person talk of a new, exciting thing they just learned in school that perhaps we had learned years ago but haven’t thought of in a long time. The look of joy on their faces when you can carry on an intelligent conversation at their level about their new passion is unforgettable. This serves as a reminder that as each generation learns something for the first time it is not new, but the continuation or expansion of those ideas and people that came before us.
Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:3-6, reminds us of the importance of having a legacy of faith. Paul thanks the Lord for his forefathers who invested in his education and training. He then reminds Timothy of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice who invested deeply in Timothy’s faith and education as well. They took the time not just to say that faith was important but answered why it is important. They instilled in him a spirit of love for the Lord and others though discipleship. It was this spirit that led Timothy to serve others and even become a valuable friend to Paul.
If we’re honest, we all stand on the shoulders of others as countless people have invested in us over the years. I still remember the name of my kindergarten teacher who was so kind, and my Spanish teacher in high school whose class I barely passed. I remember those who made a great impact on my life because they took the time to invest in me. This same truth applies to our faith as we are called to disciple one another.
As a believer in Christ, we must take the time to invest in the lives of others. We must encourage them, pray with them, teach them, and yes, at times correct them as they grow in their faith. We need to be willing to disciple the youth so that they will continue this legacy of faith by investing in the next generation. So, as our community settles in for another busy school year and fall season, let us not forget to take the time to teach others about Christ. Take the time to truly invest in others and answer those difficult questions. If you don’t know the answer, learn together and continue learning as you grow towards Christ.
If you don’t know where to begin or are looking for a group of believers to help disciple you toward Christ, then join us Sunday at First Baptist in Preston. A weekly church service may not provide every answer on your first visit, but it’s a great place to start as you seek to carry on a legacy of Faith. We hope to see you soon.
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