Passing on a Godly Heritage by John MacArthur

Passing on a Godly Heritage

"From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15). Planting and nurturing the seed of God’s Word in a child’s mind can produce an abundant spiritual harvest. Not long ago I met with a group of Christian leaders to consider several candidates for a significant ministry position. During our meeting it dawned on me that each candidate's father was a prominent pastor. Each candidate had grown up in a family that daily taught and exemplified biblical truth. That illustrates the enormous impact a Christian heritage can have on a person—whether he pursues the pastorate or not. And by no means is it fathers only who influence their children toward righteousness. Quite the contrary: A godly mother usually has far more opportunity to do so. Dr. G. Campbell Morgan had four sons—all of whom followed his example by becoming ministers. It's reported that at a family reunion a friend asked one of the sons, "Which Morgan is the greatest preacher?" "That's easy," the son replied, "Mother!" Timothy knew the benefits of a spiritual heritage like that. His mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois (2 Tim. 1:5) taught him the sacred writings, which give the wisdom that leads to salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). Even as a child, Timothy was being equipped for the ministry God would later call him to. The spiritual training he received as a child—and the reservoir of biblical knowledge he accumulated in those early years—were crucial elements in his adult ministry. If you are a parent, the most precious gift you can give your child is a godly upbringing that will serve as the foundation for his or her future ministries. Suggestions for Prayer Praise God for those who have instructed you in the Word and encouraged you in righteousness. If you are a parent, pray that your children will exceed you in the faith. Be faithful to pray for the young people around you and set a godly example for them to follow. For Further Study Read 1 Samuel 1:1—2:10. What characteristics of a godly mother did Hannah display?