“…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.”- 2 Timothy 1:5

We have all heard the expression “following in someone’s footsteps” in regards to how we should live our lives. As humans it is in our nature to be influenced by our surroundings and to look to the way others live to determine how we will live. We tend to find our niche based on the personality traits and tendencies that are passed down through genetics as well as our childhood environment. Every child learns how to communicate and make decisions for themselves based on what they’ve perceived in their formative years. However, there comes a point in our lives where it is ultimately up to each individual to decide which path they will walk or whose “footsteps” they will follow.

If you have been raised in a Christian home then you may feel comfortable with the way you live your life – mainly because your parents are Christians and that must mean that you are, too. Unfortunately many “2nd and 3rd generation” Christians stray from the faith because they have not made the faith of the parents their own. Sure, they were dragged to church every Sunday and may have actually come away with some Bible knowledge (as demonstrated by the plunder of assorted hard candies and taffy concealed about their person as they exit the classroom). But how about when it’s time to carve your own path? Who is ultimately accountable for the way you choose to live? Your parents? Do we somehow think that God has “grandchildren”? It is crucial for those of us who grew up in a godly household to not take for granted the gift that it truly is. We must make the decision to follow Christ for ourselves while being thankful that we have had parents who are praying for us and leading us into a personal relationship with Jesus.

For others the idea of having a Christian parent may be an unrealized dream. Sadly, there are many who have grown up in difficult environments and, in one way or another, allow that to determine their path. Some have had alcoholic fathers and,
even though they were deeply hurt by this, continue the legacy that was passed down to them by following in their father’s inebriated and unsteady footsteps. Others choose to renounce the lifestyle they were exposed to in exchange for something better. If you have chosen to follow Christ in spite of a lack of godly influence in your life then that is great news! The choice you have made to ignore the footsteps of those around you and follow the footsteps of Christ is the best decision you will ever make.

So what’s it going to be? If God has blessed you with parents or grandparents that love Him and impart the truths of His word into your life, will YOU take advantage of the opportunity placed before you? For those of you who do not have a godly influence in your life, will you be fearless as you forge your own path and take the first step in changing the face of this generation? There are footsteps laid out before us as potential servants of the Living God and it is up to US if we will decide to walk in them.

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…” – 1 Peter 2:21

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:6-7