Who has impacted your heart in positive ways? A family member? A teacher? A leader? A neighbor?
We can all think of people (both positively and negatively) who have had life-changing influence on us. This is part of the nature of life. If someone encouraged us, they pushed us toward personal growth. If someone hurt us, they also impacted our world view.
Of all the relational growth stories in history, the example of Paul and Timothy stands out as a model for Kingdom impact. Timothy grew beyond his young faith into an indispensable partner of the apostle Paul. Some would say he was Paul’s most strategic companion in life-mission. Many aspiring and developing spiritual leaders have benefited from reading these two letters addressed to Paul’s own son in the faith.
As you read both letters – what picture is painted? What advice is given to Timothy? What is the tone of each letter? What did Paul count on from his relationship with Timothy?
In what ways have you operated like Paul? Like Timothy?
Who has mentored you? The book Mentored by God focuses how Jesus was mentored by His Father.
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.
Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
– 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Let’s take some time to let this part of the God Story live deeply within us!
Enjoy!
Dave