In 2 Timothy Chapter 1-2, Paul is being a spiritual mentor for a younger pastor. Discipleship is simply encouraging and helping another person grow closer to the Lord. Ask yourself, “Who am I mentoring today? Am I leading anyone closer to God?” As followers of Christ, we are called to serve Him by serving others, showing the love of Christ, and leading this world out of darkness and into the Light. How can true followers of Christ serve without helping guide others?
The scripture states in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also”
Discipleship is not a job only for Pastors and leaders in the church, it is a job for each and every believer. Paul reminds the younger Pastor in 2 Timothy of the spiritual guidance that he received as a child through his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Speaking of the sincere faith that His family members had, Paul goes on to say, “I am persuaded, now lives in your also.” Through the discipleship of his grandmother and mother, this young pastor was able to grow closer to the Lord each day. Their influence encouraged Him, and I can imagine that their prayers were answered the day that he came to know the Lord. Can you imagine the smile on their faces when their son and grandson told them he was going to share the gospel as a pastor?
As a mother of 2 young boys, I am called to disciple my children. Beyond that, I am also called to disciple other people around me. When a person young or old accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior, their journey is just beginning. Some people are saved at such a young age that all that they know about Christ is that He died on the cross and was raised again to save them from their sins. They know that He lived and died but He lives again, and they’ve confessed that He is Lord, but do they know the entire Bible? Do they know how to lead others to Christ? Do they know their spiritual gifts and how to use them for His glory?
When a person is first saved, the Bible says that they are “babies in the faith.”
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” 1 Peter 2:2
Babies in the faith need nurturing, care, and guidance to grow in the Lord. If you are a new believer in Christ, I encourage you to find a spiritual mentor to disciple you in the faith. Disciple does not mean discipline; instead, it means to guide and help you grow closer to the Lord. A spiritual mentor will help you through hard times and answer your questions when you stumble upon scripture that you might not understand completely. Keep in mind that your spiritual mentor does not have to be the Pastor or a leader at your church. Y
Your spiritual mentor needs to be:
1) Strong in their walk with Christ both inside and outside of the church.
2) A firm believer in the Word of God, not wavering.
3) Available to help you, pray with you, and answer your questions
4) Wise and understanding of God’s Word.
5) A true example of how someone should live and serve Christ
Find someone you can trust and depend on for guidance. I promise that if you will reach out to someone and just ask for help, they will be there for you. If you are unsure of who to go to, go to your Pastor and ask him who would be a good spiritual mentor for me? I guarantee he will be able to point you in the right direction. God does not want you to live this life alone. He wants you to be helped by others so that in the future you can disciple someone else as well. We are all just a part of His plan. Start today by deciding to find the guidance you need.
To the followers of Christ living for the Lord and able to disciple others: Who are you being a spiritual mentor to today? If you aren’t a spiritual mentor to anyone, open your eyes. There are “baby Christians” all around you that need your help. Don’t waste another moment in your Christian bubble. It’s easy to consider yourself a Christian, strong in the faith because of your attendance at every Bible Study and worship service there is, but if you aren’t practicing discipleship and living out His Word, what are you doing?
The Bible says in James 1:22-25, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
You can disciple a young believer by simply praying with them when they are in need. When you pass them at church each Sunday, ask them how they are doing. You must intentionally reach out to new believers and make a point to help them grow in their faith. Remember that they will need nurturing and care just as a newborn baby does. Encourage them daily. Text them scripture or send them a card. Do whatever it takes to help them stay on the path that Christ has laid before them.
The Bible says in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” When you are working unto the Lord, whether it’s by serving in the church or community, or mentoring someone that needs guidance, you are doing God’s work.
We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. Start today. If you are a follower of Christ, strong in your walk, find someone to disciple, mentor, and guide closer to the Lord. If you are a new Christian, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Talk to your pastor about helping you find a spiritual mentor, join a small group, and connect to others that will lead you closer to God and not further from His Presence.
Praying for you always!
May God Bless you and show you His grace every day!
