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Power of Senior Faith |
Influence is a term that refers to the ability to indirectly control or affect the actions of other people or things.
Senior adults are in a position to have a great influence upon those who are younger. They are coming from a lifelong history of faith and experience. I like to call it “senior influence” or “senior faith.”
Lois had this kind of influence upon her daughter, Eunice, and grandson, Timothy.
“I have been 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 1:5 NIV).
Because of the influence of Grandmother Lois, Timothy would make a huge impact upon the world. He would:
- Become Paul’s traveling companion.
- Serve as a missionary, taking the gospel to many unreached places.
- Serve as the bishop of Ephesus for 15 years.
- Pen books of the New Testament.
The faith passed on from Grandma Lois was called both “sincere faith” and “living faith.” Lois possessed a very real faith that has influenced millions of people throughout the centuries. That is quite a legacy and the greatest legacy a person can leave behind—the legacy of children and grandchildren who serve the Lord. I am the product of my mother’s faith. Mom took me to Sunday school and church, prayed for me, and lived a “sincere” and “living faith” before me. Today, whatever impact my ministry has is credited to the “senior faith” of my mother.
Beyond your own children, your faith can influence many more people. Your faith lived out can influence many adolescents. You can be a spiritual mom and pop to them. Your prayers, actions, and words of affirmation can help produce many young Timothys.
Hutson L. Goza, Jr.
Christian Education Director
Senior Ministries Director
Louisiana District, Assemblies of God
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