Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, Titus 2:7 ESV
As I look back at my younger years in high school and college, I can easily highlight those professors that I consider to have been my mentors — those professional individuals that shared themselves with me in a way that no other teachers or instructors have. These prized individuals shared their life experiences and sound wisdom to a young and impressionable girl that was searching for her ‘way’ in life.
I would even go so far as to say that these were my most challenging professors as well. They truly made me work hard in the subjects that they taught — and I respected them throughout the process. Yes, there were definitely days when I thought my tiny brain would explode trying to manage all of the information and assignments required of me. I could have easily given up — but I had enough determination and perseverance to see it through to the end. And because I did, I gained so much more than just the subject knowledge.
I gained discipline, a respect for authority and others, valuable academic knowledge that ultimately led to my success in the years that followed and a deep appreciation for those who are willing to take the time to teach others who are humble enough to learn.
Our Scripture verse in the Book of Titus speaks to how Christian leaders are to conduct themselves, especially in the eyes of those who are young in their faith and relationship with the Lord. I have found that showing far outweighs the telling, because what you do will engrave upon their hearts and minds and be that much easier for others to remember.
The Christian women in my life that helped me to lean on the Lord and embrace all that His Word pours out will forever be in my heart — no matter where I go and what befalls me. Their legacy of wisdom, love and guidance — they consistently pointed me to the Word of GOD to understand the Will of GOD. Their lives — lifestyle and behavior — are founded on Biblical principles.
How they handled the stresses of life and the unexpected events were important for me to see. It was then that I realized that Christians are perfectly imperfect — but we pursue the One Who is Perfect, because He offers us Himself.
Linda R Johnson
That, my Sister, is reassurance. Reassurance that I was on the right track in my pursuit of all that GOD had for me.
And what I saw made me want more — more of Jesus, more of the Holy Spirit, more understanding of the Will of the Father.
I desired to have more and more knowledge of what this Christian lifestyle meant. To be able to be seamless in my life — not to have Christian principles only around other Christians, but to live out a fully Christ-centered life regardless of my environment, onlookers or circumstances — all the time.
I wanted that authenticity. Transparency. Intentionality. Passion. Heart for those who hurt.
Desiring these things led me to digging deeper into the Word of GOD through Bible Studies and fellowship groups that were encouraged pursuit of knowing GOD. The more I committed to the Study of GOD’s Word, the more I understood His Will for me and the more recognizable His Voice became to me.
Who in your life has been a mentor for you as you’ve walked with the Lord?
- What initially drew you towards her?
- What Godly characteristics made you say, ” WOW, I want that in me!”
Do you have the compassion to look over your shoulder and do the same for one walking behind you?
- Would you be willing to learn how to lead a young believer searching for her ‘way’ in this Journey?
- What would a ‘profile’ of an ideal mentor look like to you? Do you see any of these characteristics in you?
- List the strengths that you currently have that would make you a candidate for a mentor.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 RSV
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned it’s that when I embraced the sheer joy of knowing GOD, He is the One Who planted these desires in my heart. I willingly asked Him to fill my soul with the things He wants me to behold and grow upon.
Take an aerial view of your life, Sister, and see what glorious things GOD has brought you to and through. Since we know that GOD doesn’t waste any of our experiences (good or bad from our perspective), you will see that if you ask Him to reveal to you the course of your life’s marked moments (not monuments), you will recognize a pattern. And you will also see how the Lord communicated with you through those events. How He comforted you. How he lifted you up after it was all said and done. How He encouraged you and strengthened you. How deeper your relationship with Him became. How you understood that He was pouring gifts into you to share out with others.
These precious remembrances of yours could be someone else’s stepping stones — for her to bravely follow and move into her identity in Christ.
Allow me to encourage you to step forward in faith, on behalf of that one following not too far behind you.
She may be shy — seemingly trying to be inconspicuous. But she is there.
Reach up to the Lord and pray for her. Then when she is in your presence, you will know why she is there and Who it is that sent her to you. Then reach out to her.
She awaits the opportunity to know you and to grow with you.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Join me as I visit with friend and colleague, Rachael Adams, at her website: www.rachaelkadams.com on Thursday, January 7, 2021, as I speak further about mentoring the ones coming up behind you.
Titus Two 