Mentor

Fuss is made over titles and positions. Sad and inevitable as we consider the human condition.

This is why my life has been impacted by a man who wasn’t that bothered about those things. He cared about the spiritual wellbeing of a much younger brother.

At the time the younger dude was very much naïve to the ways of the world. He had no clue about who he was and his capabilities. He likewise knew little about getting on with the world and with people’s issues.

The older guy had a lot on his hands, and it would have been easy to just ignore him and treat him as just another young brother taking up space in the church. Instead, however, he chose to invest his energies, resources, his very life into supporting the dude in his development. He proved his love and commitment in word and deed.

When others assumed all was well, he would dig deeper to uncover ongoing issues. On discovering these he would cajole and challenge but never condemn or control.

He was willing to share his own foibles, concerns, frailties and flaws to the younger dude, so that it was clear all credit and glory would go to God for the work and the fruit. This motivated the young dude to take pursuing Jesus seriously. It enabled the young dude to see that following Jesus was far wider and deeper than he previously considered.

Through studies, marriage, children, church ups and downs, personal upheaval and triumph the older guy remained a presence. Not intrusive, but always available for honesty, transparency, vulnerability and a reminder of the call to follow Jesus.

The young dude had read about Paul’s relationship with the likes of Timothy and Titus, but had never seen it practiced. Yet now he was a recipient, and that investment had great dividends in later life successes.

The experience has so deeply affected him that he sees the benefit of coming alongside those who are younger to support them in pursuing Christ.

All for the sake of the King and His kingdom,

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden