Paul’s job was to prepare his young mentee for what he would face on the leadership road and in life in general. A Key lesson was to “remember where you came from.” Paul confessed to Timothy, “although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14-15).
Paul remembered that he was not always the well-known apostle doing mighty feats for God. He wanted the next generation to know that he had been on the wrong side of the tracks and did things worthy of God’s anger. Paul said it was not his accomplishments, fame, or even his strength and brilliance that changed him and brought him through. It was God’s grace, God’s faith, and God’s love, which are embodied in Jesus.
Timothy seemed fearful to assume the role of leader. Yet Paul knew tat after Timothy grew accustomed that role and more confident, there would likely come a day when Timothy might start feeling proud. The day might come when Timothy felt it was his own efforts that made him a success. So Paul’s words could be a reminder to stay humble an keep looking to God for every “daily bread.”
It is only God who keeps us all from being destroyed at any moment, it is God’s invisible hand. Regardless of how good (or challenging) your life may be, remember it is God who keeps you. “Remember where you came from.” Like Paul, stay in gratitude to God and teach others likewise.
Paul also told Timothy to “remember where you came from” in this way: “…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. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:5-6). Paul urged his mentee to “remember where he came from” when it seems everything is caving in on you, the times you wonder why you were ever born. Paul knew those days would come, so Timothy would need to remember that God already placed in him everything he needed to keep going.
Paul’s words apply to you because you are the leader of your life. You have a history of greatness because you are born of God and the blood of Jesus. You have had hands “layed” on you because God’s hand is on you, and you are forever in the palm of God’s hand (Isaiah 49:16). “Remember where you came from!”
Paul taught Timothy to stay in the middle lane, to avoid going too high in his opinion of himself and avoid going too low and devaluing himself. As Timothy, you have God’d grace, faith, love and DNA. Just stir up your gift—you already have what it takes! Stay in the middle lane and “remember where you (really) came from!
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed Hardy
