Be the Influence: Shaping Trust in God Through Relationships
Introduction
Grace be upon you! It’s always a blessing to gather in fellowship, drawing strength from one another. Even if we don’t connect every Sunday, just seeing familiar faces uplifts our spirits. Today, I want to explore the theme of influence, particularly as it relates to our faith in God, through the lens of Paul’s letters to Timothy.
The Power of Influence
Two months ago, I began discussing the pastoral epistles—1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. After Paul’s greetings in these letters, he provides Timothy and others with specific assignments and instructions. In this post, I want to focus on 1 Timothy and the message titled “Be the Influence.”
Timothy’s Influences
Timothy grew up surrounded by strong influences that shaped his character and faith. Each of us has someone or something that helped guide us towards trusting God. Reflect on this: Who or what influenced your belief in God’s trustworthiness?

For me, it was a person from my early years before I fully embraced Christ. I want to encourage you to think about your own experiences as we delve deeper into Timothy’s life and the influences that shaped him.
The Importance of Godly Influence
In 1 Timothy 1:3-7, Paul urges Timothy to remain in Ephesus and to charge certain individuals not to teach different doctrines. This instruction highlights the importance of sound teaching and the dangers of deviating from the truth. Here are some key points from this passage:

Charge with Authority: The term “charge” signifies a command that is fully authorized, coming from God through Paul to Timothy.
Avoid Myths and Genealogies: Paul warns against devoting oneself to myths and endless genealogies, which lead to disputes rather than godly edification.
Faith as a Gift: True faith is a gift from God, not something we can produce on our own (Romans 12:3).

The Influence of Family
Timothy’s influences were not limited to his mentors but also included his family. In 2 Timothy 1:3-5, Paul recalls Timothy’s genuine faith, which first dwelled in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. This highlights the crucial role that family can play in shaping our beliefs.

Generational Faith: Timothy’s faith was a continuation of the faith passed down from his family.
Scriptural Foundation: From a young age, Timothy was exposed to the Holy Scriptures, which made him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Personal Reflection: My Influences
As I reflect on my journey, I think of my father, a strong man who demonstrated unwavering faith. I recall a moment when he was physically hurt but never shed a tear. His stoic nature was a testament to his strength. However, I also remember a time when he openly cried, expressing his burden for lost youth. That moment profoundly impacted my belief in God’s trustworthiness.
A Letter of Gratitude
Years later, I felt compelled to write a letter to my father, thanking him for his influence in my life. I placed the letter in his Bible, and when he found it, he simply expressed his gratitude. This small act of appreciation reinforced the importance of acknowledging those who influence us positively.
Stand Firm in Your Faith
As we reflect on the influences in our lives, I encourage you, as Paul encouraged Timothy, to stand fast and stick to your guns. What you have been taught by your parents, your church, or other mentors is invaluable. It’s essential to hold onto these teachings, especially in a world filled with distractions and conflicting messages.
The Call to Action

Embrace Your Teachings: Remember the lessons and values instilled in you. They are your foundation.
Be a Source of Influence: Just as you have been influenced, strive to be that positive influence for others. Your words and actions can help guide someone else’s faith journey.

Conclusion: Be the Influence
As we consider the influences in our lives, let us strive to be that positive influence for others. Whether it’s through our words, actions, or faith, we have the power to shape the beliefs of those around us.
Reflect and Share
I encourage you to think about the influences in your life. Who has shaped your belief in God? If you feel led, share your story with others, as it may inspire someone else to recognize the importance of positive influence in their journey of faith.

Let’s continue to be a community that uplifts and influences one another towards a deeper trust in God.

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