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Acts 16:3

³Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Paul saw the heart of a young man named Timothy and decided to mentor him. Paul later wrote a letter to Timothy to tell him to be sure to teach others to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). That is how we multiply our efforts. Paul was exemplifying this by taking Timothy with him and letting Timothy witness how the Lord was establishing churches through Paul. We should all be watching for someone to mentor, or, if we are young in the Lord, for someone to mentor us. It is a blessed person who has a mentor and someone to mentor.

Paul saw the need to have Timothy circumcised. Paul had recently been to Jerusalem to verify the fact that Gentiles did not need to obey all the Laws of Moses, but since Timothy's mother was a Jew, Timothy could be considered a Jew. Circumcision would give Timothy the opportunity to preach to Jews as well as Gentiles. Paul wasn't looking for the easiest way, but the most versatile and effective way. It certainly says something about Timothy that not only was he willing to follow Paul in many dangerous settings, but he was willing to be circumcised.

We could certainly use more of this one-on-one, life-sharing mentoring today. Timothy was Paul's disciple just as the twelve were Jesus' disciples. It takes a mentor with dedication to God and who walks in the Spirit to be a good example. It also takes a willing disciple to give up his or her time and personal desires to be taught. What would it take for you to step into one of these roles?

Prayer: Lord, please raise up godly men and women who are willing to share their lives with young men and women. Raise up young men and women who are willing to give up their lives for You, lay down their pride, and be mentored at any cost.