June 1, 2012
Reaching and Teaching
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind…” (Titus 2:3-5,NIV).
Friend to Friend
One day after I’d led worship at church, another worship leader approached me. She is a darling, hip, ‘just-turned-30’ chick who totally loves Jesus. To my surprise, she asked if I would consider becoming her mentor. ‘What?’ At first I thought…’I’m way too young to be your mentor!’ Then I woke up from my momentary dream and remembered that I am a wise-on-my-good-days, slightly-seasoned ’40-something’ chick with a decade of life, marriage, and ministry on her. Excitement and trepidation danced together in my heart when I prayerfully agreed.
Mentoring is important. I’ve been deeply blessed by the women that speak into my life who are slightly more gray and less green than I am! Have you ever longed for advice but didn’t know who to talk to? I know I have. We need spiritual mentors to take our hand as we face life. Likewise, we also need to grab hold of a younger spiritual hand for the journey, to bring them along in Christ and strengthen their spiritual muscles, to encourage, teach and admonish.
As runners in a relay race reach forward to grab the baton from their teammate in front of them, they also extend the baton back to a runner about to take off in her own race. We need to be reaching forward and reaching backward. Reaching and teaching! Look at what the apostle Paul told his disciple, Titus, about women doing life with other women:
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God” (Titus 2:3-5, NIV).
The Bible says in Mark chapter 6 that after John the Baptist had died, his disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. I find it interesting that the word ‘disciples’ is used instead of the word friends or associates. The implication is that John had poured his life into guiding and instructing these men in the truth and hope of Christ.
The Bible also tells us that Jesus revered John the Baptist as one of the greatest men to ever walk the earth. Interestingly, John did not consider himself even worthy to tie the sandals of Jesus. So even a man such as John the Baptist, who was set apart for a special God-mission to prepare the way for the LORD, needed to reach forward to Christ for guidance and wisdom. Though he was not one of the twelve disciples that did life with Jesus during His years of public ministry, John the Baptist was, indeed, a disciple of the Lord. What a beautiful example we see here. John was a disciple and made disciples. With God’s help and a little effort, we can do both, too!
Friend, this is what GiG (Girlfriends in God) is all about. Sharon, Mary and I purpose to pour in to you each day through these devotions – to encourage you and spur you on toward the heart of God. But we can’t be the only resource you’ve got in this area. Beyond us e-GiGs, you need flesh-friends in your life for the same purpose.
I challenge you to prayerfully connect with one or two women this week to discuss this mentoring topic. Reach ahead. Reach behind. When you do, deep blessings and growth will be evidenced in your life and in the life of those with whom you connect.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You are so good to instruct us toward relationships…both with You and with others. Would you help me to grow in faith? Would you use me to make a difference in the lives of other women as well? Please lead me in Your will and in Your ways.
In the powerful name of Jesus,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
- Do you have a spiritual mentor?
- Have you spoken with her recently?
- Why not call or email her to set up a date to meet for coffee or lunch this week?
- Are you mentoring anyone right now?
- If so, why don’t you call or email her to set up a time to meet for coffee or lunch sometime in the next week or two?
- If you are not a spiritual mentor yet or don’t have a spiritual mentor, take a few moments to seek God’s heart about this for your life.
More from the Girlfriends
GiGs - Thanks for joining us on this journey. Sharon, Mary and I love you and pray for you regularly. Beyond the devotions, be sure to visit us on Facebook so we can have a continuous e-connection. Today on my Facebook page, we will be gathering to pray for one another. Got a prayer need? Stop by and connect/pray with GiGs all over the world right now: www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.
STORIES, SCRIPTURE and SONGS – These are the three words that embody the ministry of Gwen Smith. She shares both stories and songs in the resources available on her website. Longing to go deeper in your faith? Love a good God-story? Looking for Scripturally-sound inspiration and hope? Grab a few CDs or her book, Broken into Beautiful, today at www.GwenSmith.net.
LIKE SAVING MONEY?Check out the SPECIALS on Gwen's website at http://www.gwensmith.net/store/specials.htm. When you order more than one CD, you save!
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