Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.
Previously we read when Barnabas went out together with Paul as missionaries to spread the gospel. Barnabas was a peer to Paul and reminds us that we should also look for peers in our walk of faith. This time we meet someone that would become very dear to Paul. Timothy is a someone that Paul chose to mentor and two books of the Bible, 1 & 2 Timothy, were written specifically to help guide him. In verse 3 we get a glimpse at how intimate their relationship was as Paul was the one to circumcise Timothy. Throughout the new testament we see how Timothy almost becomes like a son to Paul.
The relationship between Paul and Timothy is one we should all strive for as Christians. We need mentors like Paul in our life to help guide and direct our spiritual growth and eventually we should all look for Timothy's in our live's as well, younger Christians who we can help direct and mold through the wisdom we accrue through our life in faith. In Young Life we believe in the power of relationships and choose to be a Paul to whoever's willing, but we also often talk about the idea of paying it forward. Jesus gave us a beautiful picture of discipleship and here we get another glimpse in Paul and Timothy. If you don't have a Paul in your life, find one, but if you do, make sure to find yourself a Timothy as well.
Even if you don't feel the most equip to take someone under your wing, the relationship doesn't have to look as formal as Timothy and Paul. Even being a few steps further along in your faith is a few steps that you can help guide someone else. If all that you've learned ends with you then everything that's been poured into you is almost a waste. Wisdom, guidance and mentorship is such a wonderful gift and blessing to receive and it's better to give then to receive so don't hoard that to yourself and instead look to pass it forward.
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