Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 9, 2015
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2
The Lord called my friend Regi to help facilitate a mentoring movement branded the Radical Mentoring process. I have utilized this nine month strategy over the years with 8-10 men. I value the experience because it is modeled after the way Jesus interacted with those closest to Him. The once a month, three hour timeframe together provides: community, accountability, scripture memory, book reports and prayer. Most of all, we all grew closer to Christ and each other. Today, I have good friends as a result of our walk though this relational and spiritual engagement.
Timothy was a protege of Paul’s, but most importantly a follower of Jesus Christ. This young man had a fine spiritual pedigree acquired from the sincere faith of his mother and grandmother. However, as a man just getting started in life, he lacked experience and spiritual maturity. Paul took the time to instruct and inspire Timothy in the ways of the Lord. He mentored him, so he could mentor others. Mentoring is meant to become a way of life, so people can do life with the Lord and other God-fearing friends. Intentional investment in leaders grows leaders for Christ.
“In the same way that iron sharpens iron, a person sharpens the character of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17, The Voice).
How does mentoring look in your life? You know you need a mentor if you are breathing. Look for leaders further down the road in life whom you respect in their roles of dad, mom, husband and wife. Pray for a role model who is successful at work and home. Their character should be consistent with those who know them the best and those who know them the least. Be prayerful and intentional. A mentor may come to you, but make sure to simultaneously seek someone. Make time to become better. Aspire to become like a leader who lives like Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, the healthiest people are mentored by others so they can mentor others. It is a lifetime process of receiving and giving. We are the most accountable when, by God’s grace, we seek to model what we ask others to do. Mentors are imperfect, but they follow their perfect Savior and Lord Jesus. Be vulnerable with your own struggles and sins so those around you feel free to do the same. Mentoring is not as much a rigid discipline as it is a meshing of hearts around the heart of our heavenly Father. Radical mentoring is the normal Christian life.
“One generation after another will celebrate Your great works; they will pass on the story of Your powerful acts to their children” (Psalm 145:4, The Voice).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me to a mentor and to faithful followers whom I can mentor.
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 11:19; Proverbs 9:9; 1 Corinthians 9:9; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Titus 2:2-4
Post/Tweet this today: Be vulnerable with your own struggles and sins so those around you feel free to do the same. #radicalmentoring #trust
Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs: You’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a storehouse of wisdom in your heart. Pre-order Boyd’s newest devotional book coming August 1st! (Learn more about our friends at Harvest House Publishers)
Additional Resource: 5 minute worship video- Lauren Daigle: Come Alive (Dry Bones)
Our partners at The Friends of the Good Samaritan are changing the lives of hundreds of children in the slums of India by providing education, medical care and nutrition. Learn how you can help.
Our free Apple app Our free Android app
© 2015 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry info@mail.wisdomhunters.com
