July 5h, 2021: Mentoring Relationships


One of the questions I ask candidates during job interviews is to name significant people in their lives and tell me why. The reason behind that question is to determine whether these candidates have mentors in their lives and what they have earned from mentoring relationships.


Paul and Timothy had that kind of relationship according to what we learn in the Bible. Timothy was Paul's son in the faith, co-worker, and messenger of the Gospel. Let us look at three aspects of their relationship according to STACY E. HOEHL in Journal of Biblical Perspective in Leadership. Let us look at 2 Timothy 1: 1-14 as the context.


It is an equipping relationship: There was an understanding of how God had been with Timothy in his relationship with his mother, grandmother, and Paul. These relationships revealed who God is in Timothy's life. They played a crucial role in the equipping process for Timothy. Who are the young people that we have chosen to mentor in our lives? Are we willing to be part of the process that prepares them for greater involvement in life?


It is an empowering relationship: Paul reminded Timothy that Timothy was in his prayer. He also told Timothy how much he appreciated their relationship. He then encouraged Timothy to live a life of power, love, and discipline. To be empowered is to believe in God's power as we live our lives, love God and His people as the prime objective of our service, and have discipline in our self-observation and obedience.


It is an employing relationship: Paul then asked Timothy not to be ashamed of his testimony, join him in his suffering, and stay close to his teaching. An employing relationship is an accountable relationship. None of us can grow personally and professionally without accountability. Healthy accountability protects us from our corrupted selves.

Paul then instlructed Timothy to teach those who can teach others.

2 Timothy 2: 2

"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others."


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