She stands off in the corner, just close enough to be within view. Her fear of the awkwardness of ‘newness’ keeps her from stepping forward. Following closely behind, she is careful to participate in the same activities as you so she can hear the sound of your voice and catch a few morsels of wisdom.
Her heart yearns for a closeness—a relationship perhaps—but she trembles at the thought of asking and possibly being rejected. This young one in the Lord is who your heart beats for.
I firmly believe that within our midst is a younger generation growing into their roles within the church, but some are floundering for the lack of foundational basics. The Scriptures encourage the more seasoned members to rise up and take them under their leadership to guide them into maturity. This is the place where the two generations intersect at the junction called love.
“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 urge 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
Living in a fallen world means that the church will be made up of imperfect creatures from imperfect backgrounds. Many of us came to Jesus with backs bent from carrying a lot of baggage. Having a loving guide to show us what to discard and what skills to acquire and how to develop them lightens that load.
Leading as our Scripture verse reminds us, as a living mentor, breathes life into the very words of the Word of God. Some things will not change; there will still be moments and seasons where life will not make sense. But having a woman come alongside the new believer instills hope and encourages her to press on in the strength of her new faith.
Being a mentor opens up the possibilities for the new believer to enjoy a richer and deeper communion with the Lord from the start. Having a role model who has lived life and has stored up Godly wisdom in her treasure chest can impart power into this young believer in Christ.
Before experiencing Christ, we searched for answers to our questions in all the wrong places and in the wrong people. How glorious it would be to have someone waiting to receive you as you step into this new life with arms open wide and a heart full of compassion!
Let’s swing open wide the doors to our hearts by nurturing and leading with love so we leave behind the legacy of Christ in the women we mentor and they, in turn, will do the same to the ones coming behind them.
About the Guest Author:
Wife, mother (3 adult children), grandmother, (1 well-loved granddaughter), writer, and lover of Jesus Christ for over 40 years. Having focused my life’s work on the loving care of women in a variety of careers, my greatest passion is in the leading of women into the Arms of their Savior, with the hope they will lead the ones coming up behind them. This godly ripple effect has the power beyond tsunami proportion to impact generations to come. This is my passion. This is my purpose. Bible Study leader (over 15 years experience) in small groups at my local church and trained in Stephen’s Ministry residing in Southern California.
Connect with Linda:
https://wordpress.com/view/titus-two.com
