The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. II Timothy 2:2 NASB
Millie was hanging over the railing of her motel on the boardwalk. She was with her sister, another chocolate lab, greeting one and all as they passed. She loved the attention but she was really interested in meeting other dogs that were on the boardwalk. She had an audience and was especially pleased with a little white pup being pushed in a baby carriage with a bow in her hair.
Millie’s tail was wagging and it seemed they were communicating in a way only doggies can understand. Millie wasn’t young anymore but she still knew the ropes. She had been coming to the beach for years and knew all the best spots to dog watch. She was more than willing to share her knowledge with the young newbies.
Many new Christians are content to keep walking and pass by some of the Christians who have been around the block a few times. Lots of churches find that mentoring or discipleship programs help young Christians to learn the ropes. They share their wisdom and knowledge in the hopes that others might not fall to the same temptations that they did in the past.
Proverbs has many verses to encourage learning relationships. Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” In Proverbs 9:9 we are told, “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.” Proverbs 1:5 states, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” Philippians 4:9 instructs, “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor. They share knowledge and experiences. Mentors provide guidance and advice. I Corinthians 11:1 tells us, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. The writer of Hebrews asks us in Hebrews 13:7 to, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”
I spoke to a youth pastor once who said he tried to lead and guide the youth in his church by following the example of Christ. He wanted to walk like Jesus and have the youth follow him as he followed Christ. He was mentoring the children he had been given to instruct. They would imitate his faith and grow in the wisdom of God.
Millie was there on the boardwalk as all the dogs passed. Some stopped and some moved on but she was there waiting. Make yourself available to those who pass by today so that they might have the opportunity to grow from your wisdom and knowledge. Share so that others might know Jesus.
If you are one of the passersby, stop and talk. Learn from others that have gone before and walked where you are walking. A wise Christian never stops learning. The word is being entrusted to you and you can pass it on to others.
Just Another Dog Devotion 