Living faith
When first attending my church nearly forty years ago, I quickly became aware (and began to admire) a woman who became my mentor. She glowed with joy during worship, was first to greet visitors, participated in every church event, and worked behind the scenes without the need or desire for recognition. My hero exemplified living faith.
Living faith
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, the apostle discusses living faith:
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. (2 Timothy 1:5)
Paul mentored young Timothy in his spiritual journey, encouraging his assistant to be faithful to Christ, guard against false teaching, and encourage others on their faith journey. Paul’s admonitions can apply to us as well:
- Avoid those who have an unhealthy interest in controversies, quarrels, envy, malicious talk, and evil suspicions.
- Do good to others.
- Avoid arrogance when mentoring and teaching.
- Be generous, share with others.
- Be content with what you have.
- Exhibit steadfast faith.
My dear mentor demonstrated for me the power of living faith. Her life exemplified the Light of Jesus. With courage and persistence, she loved others as Jesus loves.
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but give us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
Did you have that special mentor that helped shape your life as a Christian?
And a tougher question…
Are you that beacon of light, a mentor for those just beginning their faith walk?
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)
Be a light!
I pray we can be a light for Jesus. Live the life of faith to which we are called.
Yes, I had a mentor early in my Christian life whose passion for the Word was contagious. My life was never the same once we met and I am eternally grateful.
I understand exactly how you feel, Marilyn. I’m forever grateful to my mentor/hero who demonstrated how to live as a child of God and a devoted follower of Jesus. Thank you for sharing.
How I enjoyed your post this morning Ms. Katherine. I couldn’t help but think of those who came before me and provided examples of living a faith-driven life that was modeled for me. I also thought about what my Legacy of Faith will be for the young people, both family and non-family, that I’ve interacted with. Have I always shown them the kind of faith they can grow to depend upon? Great questions for me to ponder this week. I couldn’t help but smile when I thought of how you model your faith for your grandchildren. What a great example for them to emulate.
You, kind sir, are a role model for many (including me!). I believe God had a plan for you, from the beginning, to share the love and light of Jesus with others. You gift struggling writers with hope to keep going, even in the face of constant rejection. You share love, hope, and joy with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and your church family. God gifted you with the ability and willingness to be supportive and encouraging. Thank you, my friend. I’m blessed by your friendship.
Katherine, I met a woman over 40 years ago that became my best friend. She emulated Jesus in a way I had never seen before. We have been separated by miles for many years but not in the spirit. We are still in touch and she continues to encourage me. Now that I have connections with other writers like you I feel so blessed to be surrounded by a bouquet of mentors. Thanks for your weekly encouragement and support. Blessings my friend!
Barbara, you are so blessed to have this special, lifelong friend. That’s truly a God-given friendship. I know she feels the same way. I’m also thankful for the online support I’ve received from fellow authors and grateful for your encouragement and friendship. Thank you, my friend. Wishing you a great week.
The Lord has been challenging me to put myself out there and be more talkative to others at church. To meet more people. I go in and start talking with my family that I did not see for the week and then realize I should go talk to someone knew and make them feel as welcomed as my own family. Thank you for reminding me of this again.
I also need to be reminded to do that same thing, Jen. On Sunday mornings, I catch up with my choir members and family and sometimes miss speaking with others. I pray we can both remember to reach out to our other church folks, especially those who live alone and need a friendly “hello” and “how are you?” greeting. Hoping your week is filled with joy and sunshine. Spring is coming!
Excellent advice! And it truly does apply to us today. I’ve always been fascinating with the mentor/mentee relationship Paul and Timothy share. They were also friends and isn’t that the way it should be. So thankful for the mentors in my life!
I think it’s an extra blessing when our friends are also our mentors. The relationship becomes closer and both people benefit in unique ways. Like you, Candyce, I am so thankful for those mentors who loved and cared enough to help me grow in faith and wisdom.
Katherine, you reminded us the value of having a mentor and serving as a mentor. This ministry takes time for both people, but oh, what value we reap from these spiritual relationships. Thank you for reminding me mentoring is a perfect way to shine the light of Christ into our world and to open our own hearts to Him.
I know you are (and have been) a mentor for many. Thank you, Jeannie, for sharing the light and love of Jesus with others. I’m thankful for your encouragement and support.
Katherine, I am so grateful for those God brought into my life to show me how to live devoted to Him. I did not have a Christian upbringing, so they taught me to be countercultural. I also enjoy mentoring young women God. I truly treasure those relationships.
Annie, you are a blessing to those whom you mentor. Thank you for sharing Jesus with others. I know you bring light and love to their lives. Like you, I received my Christian mentoring outside of my home. I’m so grateful for that love and compassion shared with me over the years. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry of service to our Father and His children.
Katherine, mentoring and being good examples are essential in the Body of Christ and you’ve done a great job of expressing that here.
Whether being in an “official” capacity or passively, we need to be mindful that our example to others is more important than we may realize.
I agree completely, Connie. Our example to others is so important. Our words and actions can bring people to Christ or turn them away. Thank you for sharing your thoughts to remind us to be a good example of sharing the light and love of Jesus.
One of my mentors, now in her nineties, still blesses my life.
What a blessing, Diana. I’ve had mentors in their nineties as well and learned so much from their example. I hope we can do the same for others when we’re in our nineties!
That lady sounds like a wonderful Christian mentor! Thank you for reminding us of how to be that kind of godly mentor for others.
I believe my friend was one of God’s angels on earth. She impacted so many–showed us the love of Jesus in action. She was a wonderful role model and I’m so blessed to have known her. Wishing you joy and blessing, Kathy.
I love this prayer, “I pray we can be a light for Jesus. Live the life of faith to which we are called.” I will be repeating it often so that I can leave behind a legacy of faith. Thanks Katherine
I’m praying that prayer, too, Yvonne, especially since my church is facing some hard decisions. Thank you for your encouragement and continuing to pray for your ministry.