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Intention

God has used others to spiritually invest in you so that you can spiritually invest in others, and pass the baton of faith onto the next generation.

Scripture

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 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 Timothy 1:3-5

Reflection

I have always been fascinated with the history of the free German settlers of South Australia — my ancestors.

In the 1830s and 1840s, German Lutherans fled religious persecution in Prussia, where King Friedrich Wilhelm III sought to merge Lutheran and Reformed churches under state control. Refusing to abandon their beliefs, they migrated as free settlers to South Australia. The first group arrived in 1838 on the Zebra, led by Pastor August Kavel, founding a string of settlements throughout the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley. Faith was central to their lives. They built churches and schools, sustained their communities through farming, viticulture, and trades, and passed down the generations. Many Lutheran congregations in South Australia keep the same flame of faith alive today.

Paul’s second letter to Timothy is full of encouragements to pass our faith on to others. This epistle is deeply personal. It is the heartfelt farewell of an aged apostle passing on the baton of faith to his young protégé. Facing death, Paul reminds Timothy of his spiritual roots and calls him to courageously continue in the work of the gospel.

Heritage plays a crucial role in our spiritual formation. Paul points to Timothy’s faith lineage — his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice — women who instilled in him a sincere faith. Paul himself serves God “as his ancestors did,” recognising the value of those who came before him.

Some of us have a rich Christian heritage — parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents who followed Christ. I am deeply grateful for my Lutheran upbringing and the faith my parents instilled in me. By contrast, perhaps you are the first believer in your family.

Regardless of our earthly lineage, we all have a spiritual heritage. All of us have had “Pauls” in our lives — mentors, pastors, friends — who have nurtured our faith. They are the ones who prayed for us, answered our questions, and walked alongside us in our spiritual journey.

Who has invested in your faith? Who has encouraged, taught, and strengthened you? Recognising the gift of spiritual investment is the first step. The second step is realising that the baton is now in our hands. Just as we have received, we are called to give. The faith we hold today is not meant to remain with us — it is meant to be passed on.

Timothy faced challenges and fears, but Paul encouraged him to step up and be bold in his calling. We, too, may feel hesitant, wondering if we are qualified or capable. Yet, we have been given the same power that strengthened Paul and Timothy — the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit’s guidance, we can pour into the lives of others, just as others have poured into us.

Take a moment to reflect: Who has shaped your faith? And who is God calling you to invest in today?

Prayer

Father, thank You for the people You have placed in my life to nurture and strengthen my faith. Help me to honour their investment by stepping up and passing the baton to others. Give me courage, wisdom, and a heart that seeks to disciple and encourage those around me. May I walk in faith, knowing that Your Spirit empowers me to continue Your work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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