Meaningful Mentorship: Five Guiding Principles for Your ConversationsSample

Because of Paul’s missionary journeys, he started dozens of churches. His influence, without question, was vast among believers both then and now. But for his final written words, Paul wasn’t thinking about the crowd or reaching the masses himself. Timothy, a pastor who Paul had mentored since he was young, whom he lovingly refers to as “his beloved son,” was the one on his mind.

When it comes to investing in the lives of others, we must remember that God’s assignments often come in people form, not just in tasks. A life that is marked by the gospel invests in others and doesn’t just love casually or conditionally; it loves others like family, mirroring the love of Christ for us.

The five verses we’ll study over these five days include Paul’s final charge to Timothy. In this first verse, note that Paul doesn’t appeal to him merely with his earthly position in his life. Paul charges him“in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus.”

No matter how much influence you have over someone, you are not their ultimate authority – God is. To communicate best with those in your care, consistently point to God’s position in their life – and in your own life too.

Paul also gives Timothy a long-term perspective – that God is our judge and that Christ will return, so His Kingdom is the one that matters – even now. In every interaction, encourage one another to keep your eyes on Jesus and what is to come.

Heavenly Father, teach us to love those in our care like family, showing them the way to You. May we always point to Your authority as the ultimate guide in our lives and in the lives of those we mentor. Help us keep our focus on Jesus and the promise of His eternal Kingdom. Amen.