Social
networks on the Internet are on the rise. Even when separated by great
distance, people are still able to gain insights and a listening ear from peers
on-line. Blogs, Twitter, e-mail, and Web links add to the ways we can receive
and give spiritual guidance.
But it’s
also valuable to meet face to face with mature believers for mentoring. “Elisha
. . . followed Elijah” (1 Kings 19:21), and Paul mentored Timothy as “a true
son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2). He even admonished Timothy to set up a chain of
mentoring which would multiply spiritual growth (2 Tim. 2:2). Moses exhorted
parents to teach their children throughout their day: “when you sit in your
house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up”
(Deut. 6:7). The Master Teacher, Christ Himself, illustrated how to mentor: “He
appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out”
(Mark 3:14).
From
these passages we see the value of meeting face to face in a variety of
settings so that we can sharpen one another spiritually (Prov. 27:17). Along
life’s journey, there are times when we can benefit from a wise guide or
provide this same service to one who wants to follow.
We need
each other to get where God wants us to go. (RBC)
