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 (NKJV)

      In the verse listed above, we find Paul addressing his young minister Timothy. They had become so close that Paul had referred to him as "son in the faith" (1 Tim 1:2). Paul mentioned his love and respect for Timothy to brethren in several places (1 Co 4:17, Phil 2:19-22). In that latter scripture, Paul tells the church at Philippi that he has no one like Timothy.

      In the text, Paul described Timothy's faith as being genuine (unfeigned in KJV). Indeed, Timothy served the church in many places. It seems that so many had opposed or deserted Paul (1:15; 2:17;3:1-9, 13; 4:3-4, 10-21) that Timothy's sincere (anypokritou, "unhypocritical"; cf. 1 Tim. 1:5) faithstood out in bold relief. Timothy's stand out faith is only part of the picture. The other part was the source of that faith.

      Paul referenced Timothy's grandmother (Lois) and his mother (Eunice) as he encouraged Timothy. Paul attributed Timothy's faith to the influence of his Jewish mother Eunice, and Grandmother Lois, both of whom were believers (Acts 16:1). Timothy's father was a Gentile and probably an unbeliever; hence no mention of him is made here. (References to Timothy as Paul's son in the faith (1:2; 2:1) should I likely, therefore, be understood to refer to a mentor-protégé relationship.) According to this verse, Paul seems to attribute Timothy's conversion to his mother and grandmother during his childhood (2 Tim. 3:14-15). Godly women have a great influence on the life, ministry, and membership of the church. How many congregations were blessed by Timothy's work? This can be traced back, in part, to the two women who taught him the faith.

      When I looked up the word "mother" I found some interesting definitions. The obvious one, "a female parent," was there. Other definitions included "a woman in authority," " the head or superior of a religious community of women," "an older or elderly woman," and "source or origin." Any of these roles can have a maternal influence on the lives of others.

      My own mother was certainly the key person that pushed our family to worship, got us up early Sunday mornings, dared my younger sister to move while service was going on, and read to us the Bible-based children's books before we went to bed. There were others as well. There were aunts (some related), a godmother, a cousin, teachers, school administrators, and Sunday school teachers who also contributed greatly in my life.

      You see, while I have only one mother (by blood), there are others who had a maternal influence. Are you a mother? Have you had that "maternal" influence on someone? If so, this is your day as well.

"Happy Mother's Day" to ALL Mothers.

Bro. Eli