Lois only gets one line in the Bible. But, it’s an epitaph that any Christian would be proud of. Lois was obviously a major influence in the life of Timothy and her legacy of faith would impact both the Apostle Paul and his most famous protégée. What can we learn from her about being a grandmother?
Lois and Her Legacy of Faith
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Tim. 1:5).
Paul probably met Timothy on his first missionary trip through Asia Minor, an area then known as Southern Galatia. Paul and his friend Barnabas started several churches, winning both Jews and Gentiles to the faith. One of the villages where Paul started a church was Lystra. This is where Timothy’s family lived. It is likely that on that first missionary journey, or shortly thereafter, Timothy’s grandmother, Lois accepted the Lord.
By the time Paul came through that region a third time (probably about 5 years later), Lois’ faith had led her daughter, Eunice, and her grandson, Timothy to the Lord. When Paul visited Lystra on his way to regions unknown, he saw something special in Timothy. His faith had matured rapidly and he exhibited such potential that Paul invited him to join his traveling missionary team.
Timothy would go on to be one of the most important early Christian leaders. His faith was born out of the love and witness of his grandmother and mother. Lois created a legacy of faith that would make a difference far beyond her own circle of influence.
The Powerful Impact of a Grandparent
There are just a couple of things I want to point out about Lois – the only grandmother in the countdown.
1. Grandparents should undergird the parenting of their children.
The faith that Timothy knew first started in his grandmother Lois, but it also lived in her daughter, Eunice. Both women had a big impact on Timothy’s life. Lois built that faith and then handed it off. She was a support to Eunice as Eunice discipled her son, Timothy.
Grandparents should always recognize and honor their supporting role in building up the faith of their grandchildren.
2. Sometimes Grandparents are the only spiritual influence in the life of a child.
Timothy’s mother was Jewish and a Christian, but his father was Greek, and apparently, not a Christian (Acts 16:1). The fact that Timothy had to be circumcised as a young adult reveals that he had little to no spiritual affiliation up to that point (Acts 16:3).
In steps Lois. She picks up the mantle of spiritual formations. When she becomes a Christian, she quietly and respectfully begins to mentor and develop the subsequent generations.
Sometimes grandparents finds themselves the only spiritual influence on the life of a grandchild. If that’s the case, I offer four suggestions:
- Don’t hound your adult kids about going to church.
- You take your grandchildren to church as much as possible.
- You speak Jesus into the lives of your grandchildren at every opportunity.
- Don’t judge (including yourself — Don’t beat yourself up).
3. Grandparents can build a powerful legacy of faith.
The gospel came to Lois late in life. She didn’t raise her daughter, Eunice, as a Christian. Timothy was not raised as a Christian. In fact, he was probably raised with no religion at all. They didn’t have a male figure in the family as a spiritual leader (Lois’ husband was most likely dead since he is not mentioned at all).
In spite of all that, Lois and Eunice worked together to build up the faith of Timothy. In so doing they left a legacy of faith that would change the Mediterranean world!
Even if you feel like you failed with your children, you can still have a powerful impact on your grandchildren. You can still work on building a legacy of faith for future generations. As long as you have breath in your lungs, you can speak Jesus into the lives of the people you love.
A Modern Day Lois
Jenna Bush writes a letter of remembrance, honoring her grandmother Babara Bush. In the letter, she describes the incredible impact that her grandmother had on her, and the legacy of faith that she left for the family.
