What She did with her time . . .

It’s something we all need more of and can’t find enough to go around. No, it’s not money, because if we really tried, we could probably find a way to more (i.e. side hustle, second job, equity from property or a portion of your 401k). It’s not influence, because with the right tools, we could likely elevate our influence and promulgate our message or brand to the next level. But is there actually a way to add more literal time to our lives? We only get so much time, and it’s what we do with it that counts. As leadHERs, it’s easy to get caught up pouring our hours, minutes, and seconds into temporary containers sure to leak out. But when we spend our time on the things that really matter, our efforts sink down deep into the lives of those in whom we choose to invest.

When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. (II Timothy 1:5)

We don’t know much about their personal stories, but what we do know about Lois and Eunice is that their lives had a dynamic impact on Timothy. In fact, only one short verse encompasses the entirety of what scripture shares about them. But what it shares is enough to teach us valuable lessons as leadHERs.

A grandmother and a mother of young leader in the early New Testament church, Lois and Eunice’s mention could almost be skipped over. Almost. Except for this key fact: the faith that was in them somehow got into Timothy! But how did that happen? Even without all the details, even without an extensive backstory, we can be sure that it took time. Time spent on what matters most.

A genuine faith, an intentional deposit. Can you count this among your accomplishments as a leadHER?

What we do know is that with their time Lois and Eunice made an imprint on young Timothy that years later made the Apostle Paul take note. It’s a pretty high compliment to the parenting of this mother and daughter pair. But it’s not just an opportunity afforded only to parents.

Talk about a wealth transfer! When what you have gets deposited into someone else’s life, you’ve made an investment that will outlive your finish line. If every leadHER would take hold of this truth, how many lives, how many generations would be forever impacted.

I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy. (II Timothy 1:3-4).

What we do know is that Paul was thankful, as he encouraged and instructed this young leader, that Lois and Eunice had taken the time to pass on their faith to Timothy. He saw the evidence in Timothy’s life and conduct and added fuel to the fire these women had started as he mentored Timothy and nurtured his leadership and faith development.

The greatest gift that we can give to another person is the gift of a genuine faith. If our lives live out what it looks like to follow Christ each and every day, not only will someone take notice, but someone else’s faith will be nurtured. Can those who are following you, whether on social media, through your personal ministry, in your professional roles, or even around your house take hold of the faith because of the way you are living in front of them?

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (II Timothy 1:6)

The power of intentional, spiritual investments is their eternal impact! Not only were Lois and Eunice key players in Timothy’s journey of faith, but their influence seeped over into the lives of all those impacted by his life and ministry.

So while we can’t actually add more literal time to our lives, what we do know is that what we do with our time determines its lasting impact. Lois and Eunice’s story teaches us that influence can go beyond the scope of our time in this realm and extend into the lives of the generations to come.

TIME . . .

LIVE IT – Live out your time faithfully for others to see what Christ is like through you.

TAKE IT – Take out time to cultivate the faith of those you have opportunity to influence.

INVEST IT – Invest time in what matters most: the life of faith in others.

NURTURE IT – Nurture those on the faith journey by using your time to share your genuine experience with God.

LeadHER, my prayer for you today is that you will evaluate your time investments. Ask God to guide you in utilizing your life in the most impactful way for His kingdom. Remember that only what you do for Christ will truly having a lasting, eternal impact!

Your Sister in LeadHERship,

Dr. Margaret R. Frye

Want to learn more about the story of the Lois and Eunice? Find it in II Timothy 1:1-7.

Encouraged by today’s post? Share a comment below!