“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God.” (Ephesians 1:11)

It was once common for families in which there were numerous siblings to pass down material possessions, particularly clothing, from one child to another. Depending where you were in the pecking order, these garments could be fairly worn or out-of-style by the time you inherited them. While some may associate this ‘hand-me-down’ philosophy to a lack of wealth or status, it was simply practical to get the most out of items that still had some useful wear. New clothing can become quite expensive, especially for parents whose youngsters who are growing ever so quickly. It continues that families will offer hand-down clothing items to smaller children in the neighborhood or among their friends. Even so, the concept of hand-me-downs does not have a great reputation with certain people. We associate them with things that have lost their value because they were used by or belonged to someone else first. As we grow older, there always comes a time when we will either outgrow or downright reject hand-me downs and want to make our own choices, individualizing our own sense of what we think is fashionable.

There are streams of Christianity that talk this way about faith as well.  They sometimes profess that the only faith having real value is brand-new, acquired by an individual on their own just for themselves. Faith that evolves from being raised in a family of faith is sometimes viewed as having less value, considered to be a hand-me-down that doesn’t really belong to you. The Apostle Paul would disagree as he specifically affirmed to Timothy that he, in fact, had kind of faith. He wrote, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you” (2 Timothy 1:5). For Paul, personal sincerity and family heritage aren’t in tension with one another but are instead mutually reinforcing. He instructed Timothy to invest his life in faithful men who would be able to pass on God’s truth to the next generation. Paul understood that faith is never something that we earn or accomplish on our own; it is always a gift.

Not everyone is fortunate to possess a legacy of faith similar to that which Timothy received from his mother and grandmother. There are no perfectly functioning families, because there are no perfect people. Each of us will encounter persons, sometimes in our own circle, with a level of dysfunction. If those individuals become influencers in our life, we may carry their hand-me-down values into our adult life and relationships. Peter tells us that developing a bond with Christ will help us to overcome those deficits. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Remembering that sacrifice, Paul agrees: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you…” (1 Corinthians 11:23). This affirmation is at the heart of the Holy Communion message as believers receive the sacrament.

As followers of Jesus, He hands down a specific fashion to all those who follow Him: “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:12-15). Let me encourage you to wear the clothes Jesus has laid out for you. It’s a very personal decision, and no one’s going to dress you. Maybe it will make it easier to try them on when you pause to realize that the One you admire more than anyone else – namely Jesus, your Brother – wore them before you. They might just be a great fit . . . for wearing them will make you look more like Him.

REFLECTION: Do you have a faith that is worth handing down? What good habits of your parents have you retained, and what bad traits have you absorbed from those who went before you? Have you ever felt burdened that the faith you may have inherited from others is having a negative impact on your life? What are some ways you might you pass along some holy habit or spiritual hand-me-down?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., NOVEMBER 23 , 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.