Press the arrow to listen to Newday sing “Let The Rain Come” as you read today’s devotion about mentoring.

Scripture
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:5, 6, 13, 14; 2 Timothy 3:14, 15

Observation
It won’t come through a DVD. A podcast won’t infuse it. It won’t rub off at a conference. Leadership development happens best in relationship, because the best leaders are handmade. Timothy became the leader he was because he lived within arm’s length of Paul and his family.

Truth must be mixed with personality to stick with us throughout life. It takes more than principles, for mentoring requires people who will live three dimensionally the ideals kept in books.

Young leaders should seek out accessible mentors. Because of the multitude of ways to communicate, certain megastars of ministry miles away crowd out the average mentor just a block away. There is so much in print and online that every young leader should access. But this should never replace the ordinary, but accessible, pastor who can, like Paul, craft a handmade leader out of Timothy.

Mentors should make accessibility their top priority. Development happens best through personal touch and not by remote control.  Paul could call Timothy to pattern himself after what he had seen in Paul, because the apostle had let Timothy travel with him and see him in everyday life.

Parents should remember that the greatest discipling ministry is the home. Paul was a remarkable mentor, but he could only work with the upbringing that Timothy had. Eunice and Lois wove the scriptures into daily life. They started the nail and Paul drove it home.

Application
I’ve had many mentors at arm’s length. Their presence now is gone, but I have a responsibility to what they have given to me. Paul said about mentoring:

Fan it
Hold onto it
Guard it
Be faithful to it
Go back to it

No matter how how far I go in leadership, I will never outgrow my mentors. I need what they have given to me every moment. I must reflect on what they have given to me and build on it in my life.

Prayer
Father, I’ve been given so much by other leaders. I ask not just that I will be able to give what I’ve been given, but I ask that there will be desire in those to whom I give to scrape out of me all that you’ve given me to give. Surround me with hungry leaders. Amen.