1 Thessalonians 2:7-13 - Be a Great Mentor
It matters greatly how we mentor in our homes, businesses, and in our churches. How we live shows whether or not we have accepted Jesus’ gift of new life. Jesus promised that anyone who believes in Him will receive the Holy Spirit. New life. A life transformed. That's great news and the key to how we function well as mentors. But the Bible also says that by our actions we show if we are in fellowship with God or if we disobey and reject God (4:8).
So, do we have fellowship with God? The Bible says that it depends. It depends on whether or not we are living in the light and practicing the truth or if we are living in spiritual darkness (1 John 1:6).
So yes, as we see from Genesis to Revelation (and as any kindergarten teacher will tell you) each of us decides each day what we will do. Let's decide well today.
If we decide to practice the truth and live holy lives we will gain not only the respect of those we serve but also those outside the church. No one will truly respect us for impurity, secularism, and hypocrisy. There is a strong pull to be like the world, but it is by following the example of Jesus and His apostles that we bring dynamic growth. That’s how God grows the Kingdom - through those who practice the truth.
Servant leaders like Paul, Silas, and Timonty show us the importance of working hard - night and day. Never be lazy. Work hard, pray hard. Pray for those under your care. Pray for the opportunity be be a transformational mentor. Pray that those you serve will far exceed anything you've ever accomplished. May they have grace and peace and love overflowing.
Be a man or woman that earns an honest living. The Bible’s example is one of industriousness. Read the second half of Proverbs 31 - the way of practicing the truth is one of hard work and servant leadership.
Never cheat people. Be devoted to Jesus, honest, and faultless in your business dealings. We must be mature in those qualities. Character builds. It is not given. It develops. One day at a time. From the moment you open your eyelids to the moment you close them on your pillow. As a servant leader, practice the truth, the Way of Jesus Christ.
I encourage the young men with this. When you roll out of bed in the morning go straight to your knees in prayer beside your bed. Say the Lord’s Prayer and ask God to help you live for Him. Make that your practice every day.
Let’s live as great mentors, dads, moms, and people of encouragement. Just because we have a position of power, a title, or a job with some authority does not mean that we should lord that authority or title over others. Instead, the apostles show us an example of confident humility with childlike innocence. And without any arrogance. This passage tells us that the apostles were like moms caring and feeding and looking after children. That takes time, attention, focus, sacrifice, and energy. It is relentless. But it is good. It is the way we share our lives with other Christians. Good mentoring, like good parenting, takes intentionality. Plan. And be the mentor God designed you to be.
Lord God, help us to be great examples of putting our faith in you into practice all day today. May we be worthy to be called your children and your servants today. Amen.
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