There were quite a few parallels in the
counsel and expressions given by Paul and Mormon in their letters. Paul and Mormon both said that they were
mindful of the person they were writing to (Timothy and Moroni) in their
prayers. They also each expressed their
desire that Heavenly Father would be mindful of them. In Mormon’s counsel to Moroni, he reminds his
son of his duty to serve God and to “labor diligently” among the
Lamanites. Paul doesn’t come outright
and say that exact same thing to Timothy.
Rather, Paul reminds Timothy of the priesthood that Timothy holds. To me, that is Paul telling Timothy to
remember why he holds the priesthood…to serve his brothers and sisters and
share the gift of that priesthood with all those around him.
There are two aspects about 2 Timothy 1:5 that
stand out to me…first, the great faith that came before Timothy. Something that I am being reminded of this
week is the legacy we leave behind as we go throughout this life and,
pertaining to 2 Timothy 1:5, the heritage of faith that we come from. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter if you are a
convert to the church and the only/first member of your family. There is still a vast and rich heritage of
faith that has come before and is there for you to draw strength from. The testimonies of the pioneers and their immeasurable
faith is there for each of us to look back on and learn from and build upon.
Second, it is Timothy’s mother’s and
grandmother’s faith that is noted. Paul
didn’t point out Timothy’s father or grandfather. It was Timothy’s mother and grandmother. For me, as a mother, this verse hit
home. I am reminded of the Stripling
Warriors. The impact that mothers have
on their children is probably the most powerful in this mortal life. When I went through the temple for the first
time, as my mom walked me through the process, she made the comment with a tear
in her eye that she was teaching me exactly how her mother had taught her when
she went through the temple for the first time.
It’s such a small and simple thing, but the influence of mothers can
change the world. I definitely need to
be more mindful of what legacy I’m leaving behind for my children. I make so many mistakes in raising my
children…I’m pretty sure they’re going to need years of therapy because of
those mistakes…but I hope and pray that somewhere in the midst of my countless
mistakes, I am teaching them about the Savior.
I hope that I am living my testimony every day so that they will never
doubt in whom I believe and rely on for strength.
Paul assured Timothy that “the spirit of fear”
does not come from God. I think that
fear is synonymous with doubt, uncertainty, panic, worry, and disbelief. These thoughts and feelings are tools that
Satan uses to slowly (and sometimes not so slowly) eat away at our peace and
confidence in the Lord. In my life,
learning that fear is not a tool my Heavenly Father uses to persuade me has
been invaluable. It hasn’t exactly made
my life completely easy and free from all fear or worry. But it has made it more possible for me to
recognize that it is Satan trying to tear me down vs Heavenly Father trying to
communicate with me. There is great hope
and peace and strength that comes from knowing that God has “…given us the
spirit of...power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” In this life, there are storms and trials of
all kinds that we must face. Knowing the
spirit of influence our loving and divine Heavenly Father uses can mean the
difference between a life filled with fear and a life filled with joy and hope.
In 2 Timothy
1:15-18, Paul blesses the “house of Onesiphorus” with the Lord’s mercy because
the house of Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul and “refreshed” him and cared
for Paul. When Paul was in Rome,
Onesiphorus made a point of seeking Paul out.
Paul blessed Onesiphorus that he might find mercy in the Lord’s eyes. As I consider Matt. 25:35-40, for me, I think
making a point of serving those around me and taking the opportunities to help
that come up, I might someday be worthy of the same blessing that Paul
gave.
After reading
Matt. 11:29-30 and Jacob 1:8, the use of “chain” in 2 Tim. 1:16 seems to mean more
along the lines of the burden that Paul is carrying. Initially, I thought that “chain” meant the
connection or association of Paul. But
after reading the other scriptures I think it really means more of the yoke or
mantle that Paul carries. This assignment
has been really interesting because I’ve had to take a step back and look at
how I feel and behave in regards to opportunities to serve and how I act
towards those who are called of God to teach and fulfill callings in my ward
and stake. Do I respect and honor the
priesthood that the men in my life hold to the best of my ability? Do I look for the chance to serve in my
ward? Am I doing enough to honor and
obey the covenants I have made?
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