Written by Karol Diogo, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Caring for people is one of the main examples Jesus left us as a way to continue His work, if not the main one: raising up men and women according to His biblical principles.
Paul mentored many people, but it was with Timothy that this work stood out most clearly. The image of a mentor shines through in 1 and 2 Timothy, especially at the beginning of 2 Timothy. There is great richness in mentoring.
I've been mentored by a sister in the Church of Christ for four years. Allowing myself to be mentored by her has been an incredible turning point in my life and my spiritual life. I believe we should all go through this experience. I see this all throughout the Bible. Jesus did this with the apostles for three years, teaching them both theory and practice, just as the apostle Paul did with Timothy, and it produced great results.
We can see these examples in 2 Timothy 2:1-2 and 2 Timothy 3:10-17. If we follow these examples that Paul left us, we will be following Christ's examples for our Christian life.
May we be GIVERS in our Christian walk (people who help others altruistically, prioritizing the well-being of others, even if it means personal cost). May we interact with each other based on the teachings of God's Word in our interpersonal relationships. In Ephesians 4:12-16, Paul speaks of the purpose of the church being built up is that all may attain unity in the faith and the knowledge of Christ. He further explains in 1 Corinthians 10:24, "No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (NIV).
Establishing an intentional relationship with God, setting aside time regularly to be alone with Him, is our first priority. If I am faithful to God, I will be faithful to everything He asks (1Co 4:2). Keeping the Word alive within us so we can pass it on to others is a basic Christian principle we cannot forget. This practice is fundamental to the spiritual life, and neglecting it can lead to superficiality and other harm.
God's faithfulness and love offer us security, as Paul teaches us in Romans 8:31. Therefore, if we are faithful to Christ, we will be faithful in everything. This way, we can help others in need of a mentor, just as Paul needed Barnabas, and Timothy needed Paul's guidance. Sister, one day someone will need you—and me too. Therefore, let us be prepared for that moment, mirroring Christ, Paul, Barnabas, and so many others in the Bible who left this teaching.
I learned the importance and responsibility of having a mentor in my life. We know that our greatest mentor should always be Jesus Christ, but a suitable sister in our lives is also important, as we see in Proverbs 11:14.
What I learn, I immediately put into practice. Just as God teaches us, Paul passed his wisdom on to Timothy, and my mentor passes her wisdom on to everyone she teaches. I want to leave these words of encouragement to all: Always be faithful to God, and we will be faithful in everything we do. Never forget the teachings of our Lord and practice them, for poor are those who know but do not practice them.
Seek a Christian mentor, learn their teachings, and put them into practice. This way, you'll become a mentor in the future, helping other sisters. Dedicate yourself to God and to others. People are very important to God, and if they're important to Him, they must be important to us too. John 3:16 reminds us of this. Today, I mentor four sisters, to the honor and glory of our Lord Jesus. Learn, practice, and teach others.
May God always continue to bless us. May His name be glorified and exalted forever and ever. Amen.
