Christian Photographers Community

Every Timothy Needs a Paul

    This is the season for fresh notebook paper, sharpened pencils, and brand new folders—it's back-to-school time. While we sometimes think our "learning years" end when our classroom experience does, in reality God created us to be life-long students. This is especially true for Christians. As disciples of Christ, we should always be actively learning more about our God. (Matthew 11:29; 1 Peter 2:21)

   As a biblical example, we should each be a Timothy and a Paul.

That is, not only must we have a spiritual mentor, but we must also be one to someone else.

The relationship between New Testament writer/missionary Paul and his young protégé Timothy reflected godly discipleship. The apostle shared with Timothy his hard-earned knowledge gained through years of walking with the Lord, and he also offered the young pastor advice needed for his journey of faith. (2 Timothy 3:10-15)

  Paul's focus was never to make a disciple for himself, but rather to develop a disciple for Christ.

    As demonstrated by Paul's letters to Timothy, the relationship between the men was firmly rooted in the encounters of everyday life. Discipleship is sometimes conceived as a formal relationship, complete with regular meeting times and a list of questions. In truth, however, the most effective learning probably occurs in situations we would not think to term "discipleship."

    Most of us know a Christian of great faith whom we admire and can claim as a spiritual mentor—a "Paul." It might be harder to distinguish who might be your Timothy, that person who looks to you for spiritual guidance.

But what about your personal responsibility to the Great Commission? (Matthew 28:19-20)

You might be thinking, But I don't know enough about God to disciple someone in his faith! God can use anything we offer to build up His kingdom and His people.

Chances are, since most discipleship takes place in everyday situations, you probably already do mentor someone else. Discipleship is all about being willing to share what you know about God and Christianity with other believers. Just as Paul did.


Reading postings in this forum; I truly believe we have Timothys and Pauls.

Love in Christ,

Joyce