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Younger Sisters Need You

“Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me – a pattern shaped by the faith and love you have in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).

Timothy was Paul's spiritual son and as Paul shared his life with him he modeled a "pattern of wholesome teaching" to Timothy. He further challenged Timothy to repeat the pattern by passing on to others what had been passed on to him (2 Timothy 2:2). At the same time that Paul was pouring his life into Timothy, another believer, Onesiphorus, was spending time pouring encouragement and help into Paul's life (2 Timothy 1:16-18).

When I met Leah, she had been searching unsuccessfully for a mentor. She fired question after question at me about work, friendships, boundaries, finances, career, spiritual disciplines, owning a home, and beauty. She shared her deep struggle with childlessness and the confusing messages she was getting from church and family.

Then Leah read how Paul was Timothy's spiritual father and felt God prompting her to mentor spiritual children. She took several younger sisters under her wings, teaching them how to live godly lives. Soon she expanded her house to accommodate them! God took Leah’s childlessness and gave her great joy in discipling spiritual children.

Like Leah when she met me, younger women are hungry for help. Like Paul to Timothy, you could be the answer to their prayers. You can be the pattern of sound teaching they copy and pass on to other younger sisters.

Reflection

As you think over your daily life, make a list of all the things that might keep you from spending time with your younger sisters. Prayerfully ask God to show you what you could change or remove from that list. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you reorder your priorities to make time for younger sisters.