Written by Pastor Ricky Saulters, Rockwall, Texas, on Thursday, 29 May 2008

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When I call to remembrance the genuine faith . . . which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.    2 Timothy 1:5

Osmosis is a gradual process whereby a liquid moves through a membrane resulting in an equal concentration of fluid on both sides. It is a scientific phenomenon that we use in North American jargon to explain a natural tendency to allow things into our psych without much effort. We sometimes say things like, "She learned German by osmosis while living there." The truth of the matter is that many things can be acquired by "osmosis" ... including knowledge and belief.

While we don't know exactly what went on in Timothy's household when he was growing up, it looks like he might have acquired his faith in an osmotic fashion: soaking it up from his mother and grandmother who were both believers in Jesus. Timothy's mother (and perhaps his grandmother) was a Jewess, so she likely had an Old Testament understanding of the Messiah (Acts 16:1) which Timothy probably soaked up as well. The fact is, regardless of how they came to believe in Jesus, in time ... Timothy came along with them. We often hear people say, "I can't remember a time when I didn't believe even though I confessed my faith publicly when I was twelve." This comes as a result of a faithful example from a parent or other influence that consistently exemplifies truth faith in Christ.  We must live our lives as proof that there is no other option. 

Someone recently told me that they felt like going to church was just a habit - to which I responded ... "So is breathing, but it keeps you alive!"  Being a habitual Christian is not a bad thing, we should have a relationship with Christ that is a "no brainer".  It should be a natural, effortless, ingrained act from a committed heart - from which one has already established the fact that there is no other option! That type of resolve is not only noticed by children - it will be mirrored as well.

Kingdom Concept:

Children can soak up a lot from their parents: opinions, accents, tastes in food, and even body types. However, they can soak up a knowledge of Jesus, too, if it's made available.  What are your children inadvertently being passed on through your actions, ideologies and attitudes?

John Calvin said it like this, "Timothy was raised in such a way that he could suck in godliness with his mother's milk."

Recommended Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Read through the Bible : Job 32:1 - 34:37

Last update: Thursday, 29 May 2008

Published in : NCO Blogs, Admin Blogs

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