"Yes, I Trained With Dr. Smith!" (2 Timothy 1:5)

My professor was sitting across from me at the double-headed teaching microscope. I was a fellow in dermatopathology and we were examining a recent case of mine. I was pointing out some of the salient histopathologic features of the case when he suddenly looked up from the microscope and registered a quizzical look.

“That term you used!”

I was equally befuddled. “Which one?”

“That term...I have only heard one other person use that term before, and that was back in Boston. How did you…?”

And then the realization struck him. “Right! You trained with Dr. Smith when you were a pathology resident. And she trained with Dr. Brown, who used that term in Boston when I trained with him!”

“Yes, I trained with Dr. Smith!” I beamed. “She always used that term. Now I know where she learned it!”

That day, I learned the origin of a diagnostic pathology term that has been passed on through three generations of pathologists. The episode reminded me of my Christian faith. My mother was a believer in Jesus Christ. She raised me with Christian values, teaching me to love and respect Jesus Christ. Only through God’s grace and mercy did this message eventually reach my heart and I confessed and repented of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Now, I have the privilege of guiding my two children, both of whom who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Three generations of faith in God.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul commended his young protege Timothy for the evidence of his faith in God that had also been evident in his mother and grandmother. Like the diagnostic terminology of pathology and medicine, the evidence of the faith was passed down through generations. But while faith may be evident in each generation, it cannot be inherited. A nurturing and caring environment, introducing each generation to God’s love and mercy may be created within a family, but each person in every generation bears the personal responsibility of accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

I am thankful that my mother began a tradition of faith in Jesus Christ within my own family. I pray that it will continue for many more generations with my children and theirs as well.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.