The Second 50: Reflections on Life and News from the Other Side

The Message Must Encourage Faith

    The mentoring relationship between Paul and Timothy contained lessons on sharing with others.

    The initial message was a simple one...words matter.

    Paul encouraged Timothy to stay at Ephesus because some focused on teachings that did not result in living by faith.

    Sound teaching has as its foundation to encourage men to live their lives by faith.

    That is the lesson of the opening verses of 1 Timothy 1-3

The Leader's Role As a Gatekeeper

    The initial glimpse into the relationship between Paul and Timothy is one of trust.  Timothy was contemplating leaving Ephesus for some reason.

    Paul reminded him of the conversation of their last visit.  It was important that Timothy challenge those who were teaching a message that led God's people to lose the focus of living by faith.

    The message to fellow believers must further the administration of God by faith.  A message focused on a way of thought but does not encourage seeing men put their faith and trust in God is off center. 

    Paul revisists their last conversation as a reminder to always review messages shared with believers to ensure they encourage reaching out to others to place their faith in God.

A Short Novel on Mentoring...The Books of Timothy

    There is a common acceptance of a mentor's value in the business world.

   Quite often the relationship involves out of the natural lines of reporting in one's corporate hierarachy.

    There are other times when a leader identifies an individual in his organization that has a special aptitude or talent that could result in a greater contribution if developed.

    Then there are times when the mentoree seeks out one he respects and believes he can learn from to be his mentor.

    The book of Timothy is about a mentoring relationship. Paul refers to Timothy as 'my true child in the faith'. (I Timothy 1:2).

    So launches this novel on discipleship where an older, mature man of faith shares with a younger man of faith lessons on leadership, spiritual values, and having a personal relationship with God.