July 14 – Pass the baton

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” - 2 Timothy 2:2

Recently, a friend underwent major surgery. Thank God, it was successful and she is now slowly getting up and around again. The surgeons were well trained and experienced in their field. She could be confident that they were highly trained. But I wonder, what would her reaction have been had she been told on her way to the theatre, “I've never actually done surgery before....but hey, don't worry, I'll give it a go?” GULP!!

“Wait, stop, get me out of here!” comes to mind. In a situation like that, a skilled, trained, seasoned surgeon is essential – really trained – one who has studied under the best in the country....professionals who were taught specific, tried-and-tested techniques. Only someone who has spent years being guided, observed, confronted, reproved, rebuked, and corrected will fit the bill. Someone who has been mentored.

Mentoring is literally handing something or someone over....entrusting them for safekeeping. Second Timothy two was Paul's final letter to Timothy, and it shows how the best kind of mentoring occurs and applies to us all.

Paul the apostle entrusted his heart, soul, truths, encouragements, affirmations – his very life – to Timothy. Timothy received the baton of this mentoring, then looked for others who would be faithful to pass it along to others also. In fact, today, we are all recipients of Paul's baton.

At sometime in our lives we have probably all been mentored – whether at school, university, or in our work-life....people who have made an impact on our lives, people who have helped to make us what we are today.

You're probably wondering how this applies to you, you who feel past your prime and somewhat useless? Is the nest empty – children grown up and left home – no-one left to influence? Believe me, you haven't lived this long for nothing. You have a wealth of experience to pass on to a younger generation....they need your time, your wisdom, they long for a trusted mentor willing to invest in them and help shape their character.

We all need mentors, and we need those we are mentoring – we receive as much – and more, of what we give.

Do we care enough about people to build into their lives? Are we willing to join them by becoming vulnerable, open, unguarded, honest, and a person of authenticity as we pass along the baton passed down from Paul?

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” - Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Bryn's choice is our music today - Tamella Mann - “Take me to the King.” Click on the picture to listen.