Christian Mentorship

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Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-5 
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 

Mentorship is an important part of Christian discipleship. Paul understood this and provided encouragement to Timothy as his mentor in the ministry. Paul also mentioned Timothy's mother and grandmother. His father was Greek (Acts 16:1-3) and was considered by scholars to be an unbeliever. Whatever the case, Timothy grew up with a knowledge of God, based on the "unfeigned faith" of his mother and grandmother. Timothy's love for God drove his passion for ministry. Paul wanted him to harness that passion and "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 2:1). Paul saw the giftedness in Timothy toward the work of Christ. He assured Timothy that "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim. 2:7).

"Some of us have been given special ability as apostles; to others he has given the gift of being able to preach well; some have special ability in winning people to Christ, helping them to trust him as their Savior; still others have a gift for caring for God’s people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God" (Ephesians 4:11-16 TLB)

Everyone has a special ability – a gift – that God has given to each of us. Sometimes we need cheerleaders in our corner to encourage us. What God asks of us can be daunting. Being a Christian is not always going to be easy. But we must foster godly relationships and mentorships to strengthen our faith walk in Christ.

Let those be thy choicest companions who have 
made Christ their chief companion. 
– Thomas Brooks 

Prayer: Father, surround me with godly relationships. Place people in my life that will strengthen my faith, as you use me to encourage others. Amen!