In 1 Timothy 4:12, we read, "Teach believers with your life; by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity." Paul was writing to Timothy whom Paul was mentoring. Timothy was preaching and teaching at one of the churches Paul had created and Paul wanted him to be advised and encouraged.
What would it be like to have a mentor, someone to guide you, encourage you, teach, and show you the way? Speaking spiritually, I really never knew anyone who could or would be a spiritual mentor to me when I was young, so I did most of my learning on my own, lacking assurance that one could make decisions to do good things. Relational learning was lacking as my own parents and relatives had not found their own spiritual path and guidance. There was kindness and goodness and love, certainly, but nothing of the nature of finding these things within yourself. If you were good, you were good. If you weren't good, you were bad. And I believed that.
It is not easy to always be loving. Old habits formed, they like to be continued. But God continues to work on me and slowly but surely the old habits do change. Perfection will never be achieved, but that's where integrity and faith comes in. I just want to be a forgiven person who conveys God's love to others who also need Jesus' forgiveness and love.
God, Only you can keep me on the right path through your teaching. Help me to remember you are present and through your teaching a can become a person of integrity, faith, and love, so my life will be a witness for your sake. Amen.
Jo INMN
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