09/12/2022
As old men and women in Christ do we mentor those who are young and are yet to understand the ways of Jesus? Do we take them under our wing and teach them humility, patience, service, mercy, and all the wonderful characteristics of life… the life of our Lord Jesus? Do we speak to them of the commandments of God, and Jesus, then show them what obedience looks like in our own lives? If we do these things then we become their spiritual mothers and fathers. This is who Paul became to Onesimus.
“I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.”
Philemon 1:10 ESV
Paul was imprisoned in Rome for his faith, and while in prison there he took a Christian slave named Onesimus under his tutelage. Onesimus was a man who had been sent to him because he was of little to no worth to his church, and upon reaching Rome he was subsequently taken prisoner, like Paul, because of his faith. This man had been sent to Paul for instruction, but to Paul he became much more than just a student; he became a son. As we look back at our own walks of faith do we recognize certain saints that became mothers or fathers to us as we sought Jesus, and strove to become righteous? Did they make a difference in our walk?
“(Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.)”
Philemon 1:11 ESV
In every Christian’s life there is someone, like a Paul, who becomes more than a friend… perhaps it is the person who initially led us to Christ, or an elder who, through years in their faith, now imparts their accumulated wisdom to us as they open us up to the depths and meaning of faithfulness. Whoever this is in our lives, they become close to us like siblings, or in the case of someone older… a mother or father in Christ.
“I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.”
Philemon 1:12 ESV
At some point in our relationship with such spiritual mentors we must leave their side and return home, or go out into the world to do for others what they have done for us. We are tasked with bringing souls to Christ, teaching the gospel, and perhaps becoming mothers, and fathers to the babes in Christ. Are we doing these things? Are we giving to others the gift that someone gave to us?
“If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self.”
Philemon 1:18-19 ESV
I have had a spiritual mentor for many years, and now that I have fledged, and left the comfort of the nest, I still come to him off and on during certain seasons in my spiritual life. He is like a father to me, and although I am not continuously with him I always seem to find my way home to him when I am undergoing a growth spurt in my faith, or find myself facing a particular challenge that is worrisome to me. I pray that everyone has such a person who is willing to counsel them, or who offers to guarantee their debts in prayer.
“Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.”
Philemon 1:20 ESV
Today let’s go a step further than to simply acknowledge our own spiritual mentors… let’s pledge to benefit others by passing on this gift of faith we have received by becoming a parent in Christ to another child in Christ that needs us. Let’s set aside our fear of inadequacy, and grow in our own faith by guiding someone else in theirs.
“At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.”
Philemon 1:22 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving me souls to lead to you through your Son Jesus Christ, and for the babes in Christ that need a counselor, a mentor, and a spiritual father to guide them in their spiritual growth. Help me Father to lay aside my fear of inadequacy, and to step boldly for you into another’s life. Give me the ability to speak the wisdom you have imparted to me to a child that needs to hear it, and teach me to be more like you… even as I am giving instruction to others. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who send angels to strengthen us, your Holy Spirit to give us understanding, Jesus to redeem us, and earthly mentors and counselors to open our hearts and minds to you. Praised be your name for those who counsel me, and for those that come to me seeking wisdom and guidance. Help me to be like Jesus as I speak of you, and to be humble in my manner as I speak truth into the lives of others. Merciful are you Lord for every help you provide us. Your grace abounds, and through it we are drawn to you through Jesus. Wash us in His blood Father, and remove our sin so that we can approach you with the purity of Christ, and offer our guarantees for those we mentor, and call our children by faith. Let us not lose one, and may you be pleased with the faith of those we lead before you. Find us, and the spiritual children placed in our care, worthy in Christ, dressed in the clothing of Jesus, and made new in His image. Welcome us to your table and claim us as your children… the eternal recipients of you Love and care. Now, like your Son Jesus said, let me say…
“As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.”
John 17:18-19 ESV
Rich Forbes