Reaching and Teaching
Today’s Truth
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind…” Titus 2:3-5a (NIV)
Friend to Friend
After church a few weeks ago, a fellow ‘lead worshipper’ approached me. She is a fabulously lovely, young, hip ‘20-something’ chick who totally loves Jesus. To my surprise and delight, she asked if I would consider becoming her mentor. At first I thought…’but I’m way too young to be your mentor!’ Then I woke up from my momentary dream and remembered that I am a wise-on-my-good-days, slightly-elder-ish ’30-something’ chick with a decade of life, marriage and ministry on her. I was excited and scared at the same moment as I readily agreed. Of course I would agree! I have been blessed beyond measure by many women in my life who are slightly greyer and slightly less green than me!! (Mary and Sharon…I am SO not saying you girls are grey! Love you!)
We all need a spiritual mentor to take our hand as we face life. Likewise, we all need to grab hold of a younger spiritual hand for the journey, to bring them along in Christ and strengthen their spiritual muscles, to encourage, teach and admonish. As runners in a relay race reach forward to grab the baton from their teammate in front of them, they also extend the baton back to a runner about to take off in her own race. We need to be reaching and teaching!
The Bible says in Mark chapter 6 that after John the Baptist had died, his disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. I found it interesting that the word ‘disciples’ was used instead of the word friends or associates. The implication is that John had poured his life into guiding and instructing these men in the truth and hope of Christ.
The Bible also tells us that Jesus revered John the Baptist as one of the greatest men to ever walk the earth. Interestingly, John did not consider himself even worthy to tie the sandals of Jesus. So even a man such as John the Baptist, who was set apart for a special God-mission to prepare the way for the LORD, needed to reach forward to Christ for guidance and wisdom. What a beautiful example we see here. John made disciples. With God’s help and a little effort, we can too!
Let’s pray
Dear Lord, You are so good to instruct us toward relationships…both with You and with others. Would you help me to grow in faith? Would you use me to make a difference in the lives of other women as well? Please lead me in Your will and in Your ways. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Now it’s your turn
- Do you have a spiritual mentor?
- Have you spoken with her recently?
- Why not call or email her to set up a date to meet for coffee or lunch this week?
- Are you mentoring anyone right now?
- If so…why don’t you call or email her to set up a time to meet for coffee or lunch sometime in the next week or two?
- If you are not a spiritual mentor yet or don’t have a spiritual mentor…take a few moments to seek God’s heart about this for your life.
More from the Girls
This is the heart of what Girlfriends in God is all about…reaching and teaching…pouring into the lives of other women so that together we can experience the far reaching love of God more intimately. Thanks for joining us on the journey. We love you, Girlfriend!
For continued encouragement in your faith, be sure to check out Gwen’s BECAUSE CD!
Girlfriends In God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
Originally published Thursday, 15 February 2007.
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