Day 15 — Like a Son with His Father

“But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.”

— Philippians 2:22 (BSB)

When Paul was traveling around telling people about Jesus, he met a young man named Timothy. Timothy’s mother and grandmother were believers who had taught him the Scriptures since he was a boy. But his father wasn’t a believer.

Paul took Timothy under his wing. Timothy traveled with Paul for years, watching how he preached, how he prayed, how he handled hard times and how he treated people. Paul taught him, trained him and trusted him with important jobs. Later, Paul made Timothy the leader of a church.

Paul called Timothy “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). And in today’s verse, he says Timothy served with him “as a child with his father.”

That’s called mentoring. A mentor is an older person who helps a younger person grow. He teaches, encourages, gives advice and shows by example how to live.

Every guy needs a mentor. Some guys have a great dad who mentors them. Some guys have a grandpa, uncle, older brother, coach, pastor or youth leader who takes an interest in them. Some guys don’t have anyone yet.

Why do you need one?

• You learn a lot by watching. Timothy learned by being with Paul.
• Mentors have made mistakes and can help you avoid them.
• Mentors believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself.
• Mentors point you to God.

How can you find one? Look for an older Christian man you respect, someone who loves God, treats people well and seems wise. You could ask your parents to help. At church, you could ask a leader to meet with you, or just start by asking him questions: How did you become a Christian? What helps you follow God? What do you wish you’d known at my age?

Of course, a mentor should always be someone your parents know and trust, and time together should be in public places or with your parents’ permission.

And one day, you’ll be the older guy. Then you can be a Paul to a younger Timothy.

Think about it: Who is an older man you respect who loves God? What would you like to learn from him?

Try this: With your parents’ help, ask an older Christian man a question about following God this week, and really listen to his answer.

Dear God, thank You for Paul and Timothy. Please give me men in my life who can help me grow, like Paul helped Timothy. Help me be humble and willing to learn. And someday, help me help younger guys too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.