The Discovery: Exploring God’s Call On Your Life Sample

“The Responsibility: Do I need a mentor?”

As you grow spiritually, you will experience fulfillment that will feed your passion for God. As you look around at other believers who have not yet discovered this kind of fulfillment and passion, you may be tempted to become judgmental. While it may be that God has allowed you to mature, be careful not to become arrogant, satisfied, or complacent. Instead, like Paul, continue to compare yourself to Christ, striving to reach the standard that He set, and you will be made painfully aware each day of how far you still have to go.

Although Paul felt confident in his assignment to oversee and equip the churches that God had put in his charge, he was careful not to become arrogant. Although he had attained a higher level of spiritual maturity than many, he did not become satisfied and complacent. Though he had lived a Christ-like example, he did not consider himself perfect. Paul was always striving to improve, grow, learn, and master his sinful nature.

Likewise, Apollos was an impressive man, able to preach with boldness and skill, but he had more to learn. When approached by two believers with the knowledge he needed, he could have bristled, taking their instruction as an insult and hardening his heart, but he didn’t. Instead, He listened, received the instruction, and became “a great help” to other believers.

As you follow God’s path for you, look for people who can help you grow and mature spiritually. Their input is a gift, not an insult. God is glorified by the careful giving and humble receiving of sound spiritual doctrine, correction, and encouragement. Paul had such a relationship with Timothy, calling him a “son” in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2). Every believer needs a Paul/Timothy relationship.

If you do not have a mentor, you should begin looking for a spiritual mentor, a mother or father in the faith. Make sure to select someone of the same gender. If you have not already established a mentoring relationship with someone, see the “Mentoring Guide” available online at skopos.org. You can follow the link in the plan overview.

Respond to the following in your journal:

What can you learn from Paul’s attitude and approach to spiritual maturity?

When other believers give you advice, how do you respond to them? How does your heart respond? Is there anything there that you need to work on?

What did you learn through Bible study today?

How were you encouraged? How were you challenged?