¹³ Follow the pattern of the sound^[a] words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13 ESV)

Did you happen to grow up with or have someone who patterned a scriptural way of living? If you did then like Timothy there was someone foundational in helping you find a faith based life. Typically, a faithful family will lead us to Christ but often it is a valued friend. It may even be that we learn more from a valued friend than family. In either case, having someone we can reach out to when we are coming into the faith is important. That importance does not decline with our maturity in the faith.

I have many good friends and family around me who are strong in the faith. I often go to them on matters of faith. There is no substitute for having a spiritual mentor in our lives. Timothy had Paul, but before Paul he had his mother and grandmother. Each served a valuable part in the growth of Timothy’s faith. Those around us in the faith life can serve as major stepping stones in our growth and maturity in faithful living.

This need for a mentor extends to our business and personal lives. This is especially true when it comes to accountability. Others who we can call on to keep us accountable and to help us grow is invaluable. Trying to do any facet of life alone makes for a difficult life indeed. We may find that we need to humble ourselves to be willing to grow from the input of others.