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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.

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Written by Kathy Reagan, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Texas.

Think about someone you consider ‘an athlete.’ What comes to mind first? How hard they exercise and train and how dedicated they are, right? Rain or shine, they are carrying on with their training. Nothing stops them.

Are we just as dedicated to our spiritual training (Heb 5:14)?

I began my karate training at age 29. It helped me on many levels: physically (strength, flexibility, balance, and agility to name a few) and mentally (to stay focused and humble). It took three years of daily classes and practice outside of class to achieve my first black belt rank. After that, I was blessed to open my own dojo (karate school) which I had for over 20 years. I had many students throughout the years who trained hard, not only in my classes but also daily at home. These students were a constant delight!

There are many parallels between physical and spiritual training! For both: 

• We need the will to succeed – it takes deliberate effort. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (ESV) says, “Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” God’s will is for each of us to “...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2Pe 3:18). Growth in any area isn’t easy, whether it’s physical, mental, or spiritual. But we choose to work hard, in the study of His Word, to see improvements in ourselves.  

• We need daily self-discipline – Let’s read on in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.” Athletes train hard every single day, not just occasionally or when they feel like it, but consistently. 

• In what we internalize – spiritual food. Psalm 119:11, “I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You,” and Colossians 3:16, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly,” emphasize the importance of Christ living in us. We know that when we allow the world in through our eyes and ears (ungodly TV, videos, reading material, music), it’s like an athlete bingeing on junk food and expecting to do well in competition. It just won’t happen.
• In what we do – “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1Pe 1:15). In James 1:27, we see that God’s will is for us to “…keep oneself unstained from the world.”  
• In how we think - “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col 3:2). In 2 Corinthians 10:5, we’re instructed to “Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 

Is self-control always easy? No, it is rarely easy. That’s why we rely on our Father, laying each struggle at His feet, bringing each challenge to Him in prayer.

• We need daily practice – Of the karate students I taught, the ones who succeeded were those who practiced daily, in class and at home. There are many ways to practice our service to God! What gifts has God given you? Do you have a heart for the poor? Are you able to teach? Are you a natural encourager? Do you love to show hospitality? Just like an athlete practices every day to get better, we also get better at serving God as we step out in faith and serve others. James 1:27 tells us “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction…”.

I had a few students, over the years, who achieved their black belts and then went on to open their own karate schools. They were fully trained. “A student is not above his master”, but when fully trained, will be like his master. Matthew 10:24-25

Spiritual training is so much more important in this life than physical training!

With physical training, you might get in great shape and be lightning fast, strong and agile, but that only has small value for a Christian.  Rather “…train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1Ti 4:7-8). 

Sisters, let’s make the deliberate effort to grow in the grace and knowledge of God’s Word – study! Ask for God’s help daily to exercise self-control in all things – pray! And intentionally choose ways to imitate Jesus every single day by ministering to others – practice!

As spiritual athletes, I pray that we are a constant delight to our Father in heaven, obedient students who train hard in everyday life to be like our Master.