AUG. 7, 2013
Childhood
Beginnings
Read: 2
Timothy 3:14-17
Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. —Mark 10:45
Last
summer, our church invited a young man to join the staff. As Caleb shared
how
he grew up in Costa Rica while his family was serving Christ there, he
reflected on the words of 2 Timothy 3:14-17. From his childhood, he reminisced,
he had known the Bible. His mother and father had taught him the truths of the
scriptures that were “able to make [him] wise for salvation through faith which
is in Christ Jesus” (v.15). He acknowledged that his preparation to be a pastor
had begun when he was still a child.
Our
congregation had the opportunity to “meet” his family in Costa Rica via a
video-conferencing call. Caleb’s dad challenged his son using the words of
Jesus
about Himself in Mark 10:45. He said, “Caleb, remember our family motto,
‘We
are here to serve, not to be served.’” It was easy to understand how this
young
man had developed his maturity of faith.
The
children God has entrusted to us are precious gifts. A good foundation will
help them to develop into mature believers who are “complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17). With God’s help we can pass on
the
baton of faith to future generations. What a great privilege to be servants
like Jesus.
Begin to train them early
To fear and love the Lord,
To carry on life’s pathway
God’s lamp, His holy Word. —Fennema
Children are God’s precious jewels— help them shine for Christ.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
