Bob Stamps is a United Methodist minister. It seems that one day, Bob’s wife comes home and much to her horror she discovers that their oldest daughter has given their youngest son a unique haircut.Not only has she cut the hair as short as she could on her youngest brother–she has begun the process of shaving his head.
Mrs. Stamps cries out to her daughter, “What in the world are you trying to do?” The daughter realizing the tone in her mother’s voice was one of disappointment, she cried out, “I only wanted him to look like daddy.”
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, and parenthood in general, what would our children look like spiritually if they were to look and reflect their mother or father?
Paul once wrote to Timothy in his second epistle: “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in you grandmother, Lois, and your mother, Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” (II Timothy 1:5)
Timothy’s father was a pagan — not very helpful in his spiritual development. However, there was something so beautiful in his grandmother, Lois–and his mother, Eunice–that he wanted these qualities–an inner beauty reflected in his Christian walk and witness.
Our own founder and spiritual mentor, John Wesley, was deeply influenced by the godly character of his mother, Suzanna.
Of course, we don’t need to be mothers or fathers to pass on a godly legacy. All of us do need to be spiritual mothers and fathers or disciple-makers.
Jesus was a master disciple He didn’t just preach the gospel—he mediated it. As he taught and modeled the gospel of grace, it was mediated through his flesh and blood relationships.
He always came down the mountain, right into the mess of everyday sinners. Jesus was attached to disciples who were attached to one another. He lived with them, taught them, lived for them.
His intent was to continue the legacy… to pass on “things” essential to the gospel.
Paul, too, who was discipled by Christ was a master teacher. Writing to the church, Paul says: “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me” (1 Cor. 4:14-15). Notice that word “imitate.”
That’s what it’s about . We’ve all seen it. Our children will mimic or imitate what we do as parents. But Paul clarified it when he also said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).
He understood his frailties. He understood his faults and weaknesses. So, Paul was saying, “While you may model me, make sure you follow and model Christ’s life most of all.”
So….what is our vision? It’s making disciples for the transformation of the world. It’s simply, passing on what we have learned about Christ, sharing the “good news”, instilling in our children and our grandchildren and in the lives of those we interact on a daily basis– the love of and love for God. It’s about passing on a godly legacy. It’s never easy. Just like motherhood, its messy, tiring, consuming, and often frustrating, but it’s well worth it. Then, comes the joy of being a grandparent ….