I have noticed that something is missing in the Body of Christ.  Something is terribly wrong.

Where are the spiritual mothers and fathers?  Where are the mentors who are raising up spiritual children - not just on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, but in intimate, discipling relationships?

Personally, I was always hoping to fall into such a relationship - hoping to learn from an older woman the wisdom and truths that had come through her own experiences.  There is something very precious about a long-term, vulnerable, open relationship with one who has walked the path before and can encourage you through the valleys, warn you of the quicksand, give wisdom for narrow trails, and laugh with you in the high places.

It seems that there are three predominant reasons or excuses why older Christians have not stepped into a place of mentoring:  1) they have never reached a place of maturity themselves;  2) they are mature and have many treasures to share, but just don't feel qualified;  3) they just don't have the time.

I had a very disturbing dream a few years back.  I was in a beautiful old chapel with dark, rich woodwork.  The pastor was standing up at the front, but the pews were empty.  I was able to see through the floor into the crawl space below where there were dozens of babies, naked and crying.  As I sought the Lord for understanding, He said that this was a picture of most of the church - the leader is acting like all is normal, but the body has never been raised to a place of maturity.  In fact, they are like infants needing milk.  And not only that, but the reality of this immaturity is being kept hidden, as if it doesn't exist.

Hebrews 5:12 speaks of this: "For even though by this time you ought to be teaching others, you actually need someone to teach you over again the very first principles of God's Word.  You have come to need milk, not solid food."  Chapter 6 continues: "Therefore, let us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ, advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belong to spiritual maturity."

How?  How do we grow up?  Although going to meetings and studying on our own can add to our maturity, nothing can replace a discipling relationship, a day-in and day-out relationship full of honesty and learning the Word by walking it out together. 

Unfortunately, many who are qualified to be mothers and fathers in the faith don't realize that they are.  It is so easy to think that someone else is better for the job and knows more than we do.  But this is not a reason to hold back the treasures that we do have to give.  Just as I longed for someone to give me advise and with whom I could confide, there are countless many who long for the same.  Have you gone through some valleys and learned the faithfulness and goodness of our God?  Have you had to step out on the word of God, watching as He stretched your faith only to see His word hold you up?  Have you felt the irrepressible love of God when you knew your own shame and guilt?  Then you have a gift to give someone around you.

But what about the time it takes?  How can you fit one more thing into your life?  It is sort of like having children - life is busy before they come, but somehow it all fits together afterwards.  Our priorities change, our schedules rearrange, and we come to see that discipleship happens over lunch or in a game of basketball.  It happens on hunting trips or while the kids play in the backyard and laundry gets folded.  It becomes a part of the life of everyday.

What is in your hand?  What do you have to give away?

Someone near you is longing for the treasure you hold.

 

Amy