The Power of a Mentor

 (Today is National Mentoring Day)

 Encouraging the next generation.

 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. —2 Timothy 1:6–7

 Ever had a person in your life who became a mentor? A person who encouraged you? Maybe it was a coach who helped you reach your fullest potential in sports. Maybe it was a grandparent who took time with you and helped you understand your legacy and seeing where God has brought your family.

 Maybe it was a person who saw something in your life and helped you take strides to understand your purpose in life.

 The Apostle Paul was this kind of mentor to a young man named Timothy. No doubt he saw the hunger in Timothy’s eyes to help others discover Jesus the way he had.

 In his second letter to Timothy, Paul gives us a beautiful example of how to encourage those we have the privilege of mentoring. Here is a short list that I see in the opening lines of this second letter.

 Paul stuck with Timothy for the long haul. In this second letter, Timothy is now a young leader in a church. Paul has helped Timothy take strides in leadership and now he is continuing to encourage him as he navigates the complexities of leading well.

Paul is personally invested. In the opening lines of this second letter, Paul calls Timothy his “Dear Son.” He is not only speaking of him as close, but Paul is affirming the reality of the family of God. We all know the power of family, but Paul knows that the relationships we experience in God’s family will outlast even our blood relationships here on earth.

Paul prayed for Timothy. Paul tells Timothy in v.3 how he has prayed for him: “…as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” If you want to encourage those you are mentoring in continued growth, it will require prayer. There is a limit to our involvement—but not with God. He isn’t limited by space or time. He can reach out to that loved one across town, across the country—even across the world—to bring wisdom and encouragement in times of need. Prayer is key.

Paul reminded Timothy of God’s work in him. “Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Paul reminds Timothy of what he saw in him: Timothy’s genuine faith—exhibited by his tears—and the fact that he is in a lineage of faithful people. Paul reminds Timothy of his godly heritage.

Then he turns a corner in this trip down memory lane and encourages him to remember his calling. Paul writes:

 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

 He says to Timothy, “remember what God has done through you and through your family? Remember what others saw in you as well? Continue to fan into flame this gift God has given to you—which was confirmed by prayer and the laying of our hands on you.”

 Then he finishes this section with the description of what God’s Spirit does in us: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

 The Spirit of God brings boldness, power, love and self-discipline. And Paul knows what every good mentor knows: That if boldness, power, love for others and self-discipline increase, so will Timothy’s effectiveness in life.

 Mentors are life-changing. If you’ve never had one, be one.

 Don’t miss the opportunity to speak into the life of that person that God directs into your life.

Bill Herried is lead pastor at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship in Tacoma, Washington. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and Master of Divinity from Corban University in Salem, Oregon. He is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren and loves a good biryani. You can learn more about Bill on his blog, Your Daily Encouragement