Don’t laugh when you try to picture this: Beginning last Sunday and going through the middle of June, I’m teaching a class of 70-somethings (or so; some may be a little younger–I don’t ask and they don’t tell) each week at our church. I’m a substitute teacher.
I’ve subbed in that class before this little stint. One time, I shared about personally meaningful hymns and their roots in various Bible passages. A few weeks ago, we had a lesson on the topic of “hope”. Last week and this, we’re thinking about “spiritual influence” and looking at Paul’s letters to a young pastor he looked upon as “my dear son”, Timothy.
Last week, we focused on the book of I Timothy; this week, we will look at II Timothy, written as the Apostle was approaching the end of his life. In fact, my understanding is that this is the last letter (recorded in the Bible) written before Paul’s death.
They always say you can tell a lot about a person’s life by how he or she goes about dying. I think in the same way, the words a person shares at the end of life say a great deal about what matters most, about what is weighty and significant in his life. I’m seeking that out as I study Paul’s words to Timothy and ponder the class time coming up on Sunday.
I’m curious: If you knew you were dying, what would you be saying to the individual(s) you most desire to influence? In what one or two or three directions would you endeavor to aim their hearts and minds as they face the life (and ministry) that lies ahead?
wonderful approach, Amy. I thought last month about the “one month to live” idea and it helped, a little, in assembling thoughts for passing on.
Don’t let them think that they are done, especially if they haven’t thought about passing on what is important. And if they say that no one will listen, remind them that Paul spent time developing the relationship with Timothy AND remind them that maybe there is one person tha listens more than they think.
Thanks, Amy
I had the privilege of subbing in a seniors class as a college student. They called themselves “The Next Stop Heaven” class. As a sophomore in college, with nearly two years of Greek under my belt and several Bible classes, I was sure I would have something important to teach them. I learned a lot from them. I became their favorite sub – not for what I taught but I think because they saw how much I needed to learn. They had a great sense of optimism and hope. I think they often felt side-line and marginalized.
Let them know their ministry is not done. They can do so much through building relationships and encouraging. It may not be so much what they say to a Timothy but who they are.
Thanks, both Jon and Tom–your comments were affirming and confirming (Jon’s before SS class, Tom’s after). I told Michael that it’s easy to feel “Who am I to go in there and teach this group of people who have 20-25 years more life experience than I do?” Yet, truth is truth and that can come by many vehicles–Paul’s words to Timothy hold much for all of us.