Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. (Phil. 2:22)
Expanded Passage: Philippians 2:22-24
Think of your favorite story (any story—it doesn’t have to be out of the Bible). Think of the main character in that story. Who is that character’s mentor, teacher, guide, or counselor?
Every great, timeless story reflects the truth of the Bible in some way, and one of those is when the hero receives guidance and wisdom from someone (or something) during difficult times. Cinderella’s fairy godmother pulls her out of despair and sets her firmly back on her glass-slippered feet. Mowgli follows the panther Bagheera, who guides him safely through the jungle to find his people. Jim Hawkins, who initially admires the manipulative “Long John Silver,” finally admits that the skeptical Captain Smollett was wise to distrust Silver, and the two work together to defeat him. Christian encounters Evangelist, who shows him the way to the Wicket Gate and the path that leads to freedom from the City of Destruction.
Mentoring is vital to the Christian life. Each of us needs a mentor, and each of us needs to mentor someone else. The apostle Paul mentored Timothy, and Timothy, in turn, mentored others as a young pastor. We were never meant to do life alone. God created us to grow in strength and character, which requires something outside ourselves to push, challenge, encourage, and motivate us. That is the heart of Christian discipleship.
Bless a mentor in your life.
Laura Hurd is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church and co-pastors with her husband, Jason, in northwestern Nebraska. She enjoys rural life, reading, and road trips.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
