a true child

To Timothy, my true child in the faith...

The second verse of Paul's first letter to Timothy is easy to read over. On the surface it appears as nothing more than Paul identifying who his intended audience, in this case Timothy.

While this certainly is the case, Paul's description of Timothy is worth noting. Timothy was a Gentile with a heritage of faith passed on from his grandmother and mother. Paul was Timothy's father in regards to the faith. He took a vested interest in Timothy. Timothy accompanied Paul on a number his journeys. Paul intimately trained Timothy as a teacher and leader. Paul sent Timothy in his stead to visit the various churches he planted. Paul poured himself into Timothy.

I say this introduction is of note because how many of us can utter the same words as Paul? Can any of us proudly call someone else a true child in the faith? I would hope and pray each and every Christ-proclaiming parent could join Paul. I personally am thankful for my father and mother who raised me both physically and in the faith. And I am even more thankful as I recognize how rare this reality is in our day and age.

Christianity in Western culture has grown more and more individualistic. All that matters is "me and Jesus." We show up to church, read our Bible, pray, and live out our faith (all of which are good and commanded). However, we do not invest in other people. We do not take the time to do with others what Paul did with Timothy. We cringe at the notion of discipleship. Instead we would rather complain about the failings of the generations before and after us.

What if we started to adopt Paul's approach? What if older men took on the role of spiritual fathers for younger men. What if younger men desired and sought out such relationships? What if older women took on the role of spiritual mothers for younger women? What if younger women desired and sought out such relationships?

The reality is this is the picture and call of the church. Paul will explain this later in 1 Timothy as well as the book of Titus. The gospel frees us from the obsession of self for it frees us from trying to earn what has already been giving to us in Christ. This freedom enables us to turn outward to those in the body who need to grow and mature into the image of Christ.

It frees us to be father, mothers, sons, daughter, brothers, and sisters.