No one gets very far on their own. Many people I know possess a great deal of drive and personal motivation, but even the most determined among us benefit from a hand along the way. An encouraging teacher, supportive parents or a good boss all help. Solo fails to describe a successful life.

Paul wrote to Timothy encouraging him to invest in the lives of others. You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Our Christian faith is not exclusively ours. We heard it from someone else, and we pass the faith on. A follower of Jesus stays involved with such connections all through life. We learn from others (in church or a small group or in conversations or reading good books or listening to wise teachers) and we instruct others (sharing with our children or teaching a class or leading a group or speaking with a friend).

An active, growing faith involves community. Be strong in grace, like Paul instructs, because we’ll need it when engaging with one another. Then take your place in the chain of Jesus-followers growing in the faith and passing it on the the next generation.

1 Timothy 2 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Terren Hurst