Sincere Faith

I have distinct and special memories of visiting my grandparents in Yerrington, Nevada. I remember sleeping on the living room floor in their modest trailer, waking up to the Sons of the Pioneers on the record player (a Western singing group from the 30’s/40’s/50’s). I would share the very early morning hours with my Grandpa Bart, enjoying his time-tested breakfast of eggs and toast. Before the mid-day heat, Grandpa Bart would pull on his suspenders and drive me to the local park to play several games of tennis. My unskilled enthusiasm and his seasoned slowness were a fairly good match.

This week, we celebrated our annual Grandparents’ Day for our First-Grade students. Our campus was filled with special presentations, engaging classroom activities, and the aroma of gallons of coffee. In 2 Timothy 1:5, the apostle Paul reminds Timothy that his faith was passed down to him from his grandmother. Timothy not only received this gift of faith but also took ownership of it for himself. Paul describes Timothy’s faith as “sincere.” Our mission of discipleship desires to follow this general principle in many ways.

The foundation of faith for many of our students often begins in the home, where it is passed down through the generations. His powerful redemption is also revealed in any life at any time of repentance, even in the absence of a long faith legacy. Our school’s passion and responsibility is to mold and challenge students’ faith so that they make it their own. We know an authentic and genuine faith independent of circumstances is the true mark of a faithful disciple. 

After one “best-of-6” tennis set, there was little left in the tank for my Grandpa Bart and me. Our reward was often a special stop at the corner market. Even today, when I drive by a tennis court, my mouth waters for a special treat. With lives surrendered to Christ, our "tank" never needs to be empty. He is our living water, and we never need to thirst again. Even better than a slushee at the store, He refills us daily with love, joy, peace, and eternal life. May each of us consider how God designed us to share our refreshing faith with those entrusted to us!
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