Mentoring & Multiplying

In his second letter to Pastor Tim, (2 Timothy), Paul wrote, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Tim 2:1-3 NIV)." I would argue that Churches, businesses, and families have completely forgotten about or neglected this instruction! In fact, it's one of the most amazing ways to grow and help others do the same--yet, it's truly a lost art.

I'm talking about mentoring--the intentional building into someone else's life with the goal of multiplying our knowledge, techniques, skills, and results! How many of us were ever mentored for our job or ministry? Since few can say, "Yes I was," to this, is it any wonder most of us don't mentor others?

But what if we did?

Notice what this passage promises. According to Paul, this multiplication through mentoring approach would flow from but also cause us to be "strong" spiritually. Strong in grace--which may seem like an oxymoron, but is actually implying balance as well as the ability to act in grace when others are "blowing their tops." It's also the idea that we can live in the peace and joy of knowing that we're not under law or its penalty. It's the ability to be creative and function "full throttle" without fear...so much is built into the phrase.

Why is this true?

Because we're focused on the primary, main and plain (emphasized and clear) teachings of Christ and the Apostles. These are, "the things you have heard (Paul) say in the presence of many witnesses." These truths changes lives! They save people spiritually and change their daily physical lives too. God's way works--and when we're filled with it, our lives can't help but improve.

But it's not just for us is it...it's also to be passed on to reliable people who will also share it. As we share, as Paul did with Timothy, we're stronger and so are our "Tims." And, as an ever-expanding powerful witness, our Tims must also be required to pass it on to their own "Tims." I once heard a speaker at a Promise Keepers event say, "Everyone should have a Paul, a Barnabas, and a Timothy in his life." That is, a mentor, a friend, and a disciple/men tee. Do you? And do you encourage others to do the same?

This is how the truth spreads. It's also how we grow exponentially as spiritual followers of Christ. Let's commit ourselves to mentoring and multiplying.

Blessings,
Pastor Joel.