"Spiritual Relatives"

 

“Spiritual Relatives”

 

Family traits are passed from generation to generation. This includes physical appearance, body structure, mental acuity and aptitude in various areas. Unfortunately genetics sometimes produces susceptibility to medical conditions which can alter quality and length of life. Why such things occur continues to be the subject of scientific and social research but we may never fully know the answers to this myriad of questions.

Many characteristics can be transmitted to our children, grandchildren and later descendants. We are the products of this process as well. We usually think of this in physical and intellectual terms but what about our spiritual influence? David wrote, “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4). And Paul cited the godly heritage of Timothy through his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15). The same is true for each of us—I’d love to be able to trace my spiritual ancestry back to Jesus—and we have the responsibility to pass the torch on (“Future generations will also serve him. Our children will hear about the wonders of the Lord.”—Psalm 22:30, NLT). If we fail to do this the godly faith traditions of a family or church can die out. As Dr. Henriette Mears observed years ago, “Every church is one generation from extinction.”

As parts of human families we have parents, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins—the list goes on (I think we’d be amazed at the number of shirttail relatives we have). And while God only has children –those who receive His Son Jesus Christ as Savior by personal invitation (“…To all {i.e. each one} who receive {Christ}…he gave the right to become children of God….”—John 1:12)—we have a large extended family in the body of Christ. In my case, I was led to accept Christ at the age of six by my Sunday School teacher but in the 70+ years since then I’ve been loved, taught, mentored and corrected by family members, pastors, teachers, authors, friends and (when absolutely necessary) my first wife. And I have a commission to continue in this manner as did Timothy. In the words of his spiritual mentor Paul, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable (people) who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2).

How’s my spiritual family progressing? What am I contributing to it?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan