What Can We Learn From Timothy?

42 // April 2020 by Rev. Wayne Williams

Rev. Wayne Williams, PhD, presently serves as supply pastor for the historic First United Presbyterian Church of Athens, Tennessee. He and his wife of 38 years, Lita, are heavily involved in numerous church and community activities. About The Author I n the Bible, “Timothy” in the original language was “Timotheus,” which means, “honor of God; valued of God.” With that being said, I want to ask you, my friend, “What is it about you that honors God?” Is it the exercising of your spiritual gift? Your “great” faith? Maybe it is your Christian service or commitment to the Christian lifestyle? Exactly what is it about you and me that honors God “the most?”

When we closely examine the life of the Timothy that the Apostle Paul speaks of and addresses in the two epistles that bear the young protégé’s name in the New Testament, we may be able to better comprehend how it is that this young upstart captured the Apostle’s interest and captivates our intrigue even to today.

True, Timothy was a “young” man, but I am not so sure that this was the one, sole thing that makes him notable and “valued of God.” The prophet Joel records that in the latter days, “God will pour out [His] Spirit on all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28). Given his youthfulness, perhaps it was his “physical fitness for duty” that explains the meaning behind this name. However, given the prophecy that other “young men” would also “see visions,” there must be something else that helps us to understand the significance of this young man’s name. Notably, Paul also addresses a letter to another young preacher by the name of Titus, whose name means “pleasing.” (This is interesting, but not quite the topic of this writing.)

Friend, I am compelled to think that the message behind Timothy’s name rests solely upon the shoulders of his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. Whether the name was bestowed upon young Timothy at or before his birth or if it was granted to him as he became older, it was these two women, and I believe under divine inspiration, who named him. Consequently, when the Apostle speaks of “the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Timothy 1:5), Paul was readily addressing the significance of the women behind the man (boy).

Men, what is it about you and me that is significant enough for our mother(s), grandmother(s), or wife(ives) to name us (or address us with a particular name)? Eunice, quite likely in consultation with Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, chose to name or call this young boy “Timotheus” because she believed her faithfulness to God and his faithfulness of the same would make him a valuable asset to God. Small wonder the Apostle admonished the young man to “stir up the gift within him.” Why? Because what Timothy had to offer to the world was so needful and, if imparted, would be equally impactful! Men, the meaning of and behind your name is significant. Yet questions remain: namely, “What have you done or what will you do to live up to your name?” Shalom!

Beloved, Let Us Love One Another

by Brad Perkins

Afew weeks ago, I was at Bonlife Coffee enjoying some coffee and reading when a phrase jumped off the page: “Are we going to fear them, dislike them or ignore them? Or, are we going to share the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with them?” I recalled someone asking one time, “What is the opposite of love?” Most responded hate, but the speaker surprised us and said, “It’s apathy.” Elie Wiesel, a survivor of the holocaust, agreed and said, “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference…And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.”

The people of the nations are on the move. Today, it’s almost impossible to walk out your door without seeing someone who looks or sounds like they originate from another country or practice another religion. What is our Christian response and role to the foreigner? The Bible is clear. John 15:17 says, “This is my command: Love each other.” Matthew 28:19 instructs us, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” A missionary friend stated it nicely: “God has called us to go to the nations, but we have refused, so He is bringing them to us.” When we choose to ignore someone, we are doing the exact opposite of loving them. “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Recently, a friend of mine approached a lady of Middle Eastern descent at a grocery store with, “Hi.” After introducing himself and some small talk, he discovered she was from the Middle East. With great enthusiasm, he said, “I love your country! We have friends from there! You’ve got to talk with my wife and come to our house for dinner. Let me call her now.” After some initial reluctance and surprise that a stranger would be so welcoming and kind, she said, “Yes, my family will join yours for dinner.” Before they parted

ways, the woman said, “I want to tell you something. We are foreigners, speak with an accent, and are new here. We don’t know anyone and are so lonely. I just want to thank you for stopping me to say hi. That was meaningful.” Galatians 5:14 says, “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Sometimes we forget that Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were foreigners and refugees, driven from their home

countries. In Mark Batterson’s book “Wild Goose Chase,” he wrote, “Some of us live as if we expect to hear God say, ‘Well thought, good and faithful servant!’ or ‘Well said, good and faithful servant!’ There is only one commendation, and it is the byproduct of pursuing God-ordained passions: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’” God, stir our hearts and minds to act. Give us the boldness and courage to introduce ourselves to the foreigner, be a friend, and introduce them to you. Let our lives be a living example of the Gospel in action.

About The Author

Brad Perkins is a 12-year banking veteran who enjoys speaking and writing on Middle Eastern Culture. He and his wife, Heather live in Cleveland, Tennessee, attend Silverdale Baptist Church, and volunteer with an organization to help refugees feel welcomed and loved.

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