1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Mentoring
Probably the most common word used in the New Testament to describe Christians is disciple. The Gospel writers, Paul, John, and others who wrote the letters we find in the New Testament often referred to those who followed Jesus as his disciples. A disciple is one who learns from another or follows the principles of another person.
It’s fairly common today to talk about people as disciples of someone else. If you are in marketing, advertising, or promotions, chances are you are a disciple of Seth Godin. Or, you know people who follow his principles. If you are in business, you might be a disciple of Malcolm Gladwell or Zig Ziglar.
The point I’m trying to make is that it’s fashionable to be a disciple of someone. Some would argue that it’s vital to success in just about any field to be a disciple – a learner – of someone else. We may not ask “Who is your mentor?” but people do believe in the value of being mentored.
What’s not discussed as openly is the idea of being a mentor to someone else. I believe that’s what Paul is talking about in this passage. The idea of finding someone who is a little bit behind where you are in their spiritual development and inviting them to learn from you. Paul is suggesting that we must not be so focused on ourselves that we can’t walk with someone who isn’t as strong as we are.
Let me make a rather bold statement: I believe that every Christ follower should be learning from someone else as well as investing in someone else. In other words, every Christ follower should be both a disciple and a mentor. Who are those people in your life? Who is the one that you are helping along the journey?
Now, for some, the very thought of helping someone else grow to the level that you are at is pretty scary. After all, you may not be very proud of the level you are at. And, that’s probably something you should then work on. But, no matter where you are, I have no doubt that there is someone who could benefit from learning what you’ve learned. Someone who can grow from your experiences.
So, my challenge to you is simple (some would say it’s quite difficult). Find someone that you will mentor for 2010. A person who could benefit from what you’ve already learned about following Jesus, not matter how young into your own journey you might be. And invite them to grow with you.
My prayer: Lord, I want to thank you for the many people who have spoken into my life over the years. As I consider some of the mentors I have had, I realize just how blessed I am. At the same time, I look at some of the people I have had the chance to mentor. Today, they are pastors, missionaries, business people. Thank you for allowing me to play even a small role in their spiritual growth. And help me to always see the next person you have called me to mentor. Amen.
Until tomorrow.
