Often, our greatest impact is not our direct ministry but the person or people we are influencing in the process of doing ministry. Think about some of the great leaders of the Bible. What would have happened had someone else not mentored them in the midst of doing ministry together?
Who led Israel to conquer the Promised Land? Joshua. Who mentored him? Moses. As great a leader as Moses was, he did not have the privilege of taking Israel into the land, conquering the enemies of God. Whom are you influencing who might take a city for Christ after you?
Who led 10,000 soldiers to war against Sisera? Barak. Who advised him on his battle plan and then, when he expressed reluctance, accompanied him into battle? Who also co-wrote a victory song with him? Deborah. Although Deborah did not lead the battle, nor is she mentioned in Hebrews 11 alongside Barak with those who conquered kingdoms, without her direction and presence, there would not have been a victory. Whom might you equip for great battles?
What prophet did the most miracles in the Old Testament? Elisha. Who developed him? Elijah. While Elijah performed many wonderful miracles, the Bible tells us that God enabled Elisha to do twice as many miracles with a double portion of God’s Spirit. Whom are you developing that God might use to do twice as many miraculous things as He has done through you?
Who took Christianity all over the Roman Empire? The 12 disciples. Who developed them? Jesus. Remarkably, Jesus never traveled more than 50 miles from His home. Never started a church, school or any other organization. He simply poured His life into a few people, who then took Christianity all over the world. Who will take the gospel to far corners of the world? You could be building into that person’s life right now.
Who wrote the most books in the New Testament and was the greatest missionary of his time? Paul. Who mentored him? Barnabas. Two thousand years later, Paul is clearly the more famous of the two, but who had the greater impact? Only God knows. You may never write a book, but God may use you to invest in the life of a future author whose books will race around the world in dozens of translations.
Look at yourself as Moses, Deborah or Barnabas. Who is the Joshua, the Barak, the Paul you are developing? Presence and duration are keys to mentoring. God only knows how the person you are mentoring today may serve Christ in ways beyond your wildest dreams.
Here's the article at the EFCA Today site.
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