"Mentors"

What I’d give for one more time,

To sit with him, I know that I’m,

Wishing for a father’s voice,

An old man now, it’s still my choice.

To hear my mentors, not just one,

Blessed by several and ‘fore I’m done,

I pray I live by what they said,

And pass it on before I’m dead.

My Dad’s words taught me I should work,

Saddle up and never shirk,

My Grandpa taught me how to laugh,

And joy would make a better path.

My uncle said it’s not too late,

For you to seek the narrow gate,

We serve a God of second chance,

So seek the Lord and join the dance.

My good friend strong encouraged me,

Reminded of the grace that’s free,

And year to year right there he stood,

If he hadn’t died he still would.

One lived to one hundred two,

Asked him how he made it through,

His answer was to fret no more,

‘Cause worry opens satan’s door.

Thankful not all said good-bye,

Some still here to help my try,

But I miss the ones who left,

They helped me fight the devil’s theft.

“Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass then on to others…” (2 Timothy 2:2, NLT).

Jesus said that our mission is to make disciples and set the example for doing so. Paul told Timothy to do the same thing. Build relationships with people you can trust. They, then, will do the same and the Kingdom is extended. When God gives us mentors for support and accountability the goal is twofold, to facilitate spiritual growth and to equip people to pass along what they’ve learned. Spiritual maturity is always portrayed in scripture in the context of relationships rather than a solitary life. The influence of our mentors lives through us.

Lord, help us to pass along what we have learned and equip others to do the same, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, timcox.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.