Pass It On!

Introduction

Today we as we gather together we celebrate Mothers. What can we say about them? When we think about “Mothers” I’ll bet every one of us has a story we could tell about our mom’s.

Today, I am privileged to have my mom here with me today. Honestly, when I think about about my life, most about my mom are stories of the good times.

It seems that most of us remember our mothers with fondness, thinking of the good rather than the bad.

Mother’s Day Stories

It thought I would start off this morning with examples of children that loved their mothers and did something special for them.

Eight-Year-Old Mary

For example: Eight-year-old Mary wrote her mother a note for Mother’s Day. "Dear Mother, here is the box of candy I bought you for Mother’s Day. IT IS VERY GOOD CANDY. I KNOW, BECAUSE I ALREADY AT 3 PIECES."

Eight-Year-Old Carol

Or how about, Eight-year-old Carol also wrote her mother said, "DEAR MOTHER, HERE ARE 2 ASPIRINS. HAVE A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY."

The Team of Six-Year-Old Johnny and Four-Year-Old Sister Suzy

Then there was the team of Six-year-old Johnny and his four-year-old sister Suzy. They presented their mom with a Mother’s Day present; a small, spindly house plant. While it wasn’t the finest looking specimen, they had bought it with their own money and Mom was thrilled. She hugged and kissed her children and told them she loved them for thinking of her.

Johnny said, "There was some other flowers we wanted to buy for you, Mom, but we didn’t have enough money." "Yeah," said sister Suzy, "they had a real nice bunch of flowers at the shop that we were going to buy." "But I love this plant," said the happy mother. "I know, Mom," said Johnny, "but these flowers would have been perfect for you. They were in a wreath and they had a ribbon that said ’REST IN PEACE’ on it AND YOU’RE ALWAYS ASKING FOR A LITTLE PEACE SO YOU CAN REST."

I. Mom, you have a legacy to pass on.

2 Timothy 1:5 talks about the faith of two women, who passed on that faith to a son and grandson. It says,

2 Timothy 1:5 NIV

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.

A. A sincere faith has a ripple effect.

SINCERE FAITH IS MARKED BY:

An eager motivation to discover, embrace and pursue a deepening intimacy with the Lord.

An active, visible connection between belief and everyday living.

Perseverance; an unwillingness to give up on the goodness of God.

B. You have the ability to influence generations.

The journey God has outlined for you is amazing.

Your personal journey is only the beginning of the work that God wants to do through you.

C. God is equipping you to stand the tests of time.

We can trust that He is not finished with us yet.

In Philippians 1:6 we read,

Philippians 1:6 NIV

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

II. What God wants to do in us is not automatic!

Now here’s the thing. Having a sincere faith does not come naturally. It is something that takes work. Look at 2 Timothy 1:6

2 Timothy 1:6 NIV

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

A. We need to be reminded of our Faith.

Where there is sincere faith in who Christ is and in what He has done on our behalf, there is also opportunity to walk in the fullness of the gift of God.

B. God has a unique way that He wants to pour Himself through each of us.

C. It's up to us to nurture that gift and not neglect it.

1 Timothy 4:14 says,

1 Timothy 4:14 NIV

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

III. Mom, God wants you to be fully released into your calling and destiny. 2 Timothy 1:7

Look at 2 Timothy 1:7,

A. Not a spirit of timidity

The word translated “timidity,” actually means “fear” it can also be translated “intimidated.”

So when you think of this kind of fear, there is the idea of being: worthlessness, lack in courage, or the inclination to hold back, or the idea of being dominated.

B. A life lived to serve God and empowered by the Holy Spirit is marked by:

Power—the ability to exert force. It is the same word that we get the English word dynamite.

Love—this is the Greek word “agapao” or agape which is the same kind of unconditional, love that God demonstrated to us when He sent His Son to die for us.

Romans 5:8 NIV

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Self-discipline—finally when we are controlled by the Holy Spirit our lives should become lives that exhibit self-discipline. Disciplined lives are not deceived by the temporal circumstances of life.

SO WHAT?

While we have been talking about the legacy of a mother, in reality, each one of us has a legacy.

We should be seeking to pass our legacy on to those around us.

In order to do this, each one of us should living a life:

A life marked by a sincere faith.

A life seeks to influence those around us.

A life prepared to always live for the Lord.

A life that keeps fanning the flame of God.

A life that is NOT marked by fear.

A life really shows God’s power.

A life is marked by unconditional love.

A life of self-discipline.

PRAYER