For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7, TLV

Preparing the Youth.   In Paul’s second letter to his “spiritual” son, Timothy, he exhorts Timothy to press on without him. This letter was written by Paul in prison and would be his last letter to Timothy before he is murdered—martyred.

Paul has taught young Timothy for years, and now the young man will not have his mentor as he assumes his role as leader in Ephesus. Because Paul knows his days are numbered, he leaves Timothy with lessons and exhortations that will prepare and encourage him to be the leader GOD called him to be.

Powerful lessons

Paul’s goals appear to be: 1) train up the youth to become leaders; 2) prepare the youth to be on their own.

I think, too often, we forget the second part in the mentoring and parenting process. A close, relationship will struggle with letting go—ask my daughter about that—but will press in to accomplish this important goal. Even the healthiest of relationships.

Joshua had the privilege of working side-by-side with Moses until the very end, Timothy didn’t. Paul did much of his training through letters, which must have been read and re-read by the young man while they were apart. If I were Timothy, there would be uncertainty as to whether or not I could fill such a role. Not uncertainty. Fear.

Did Timothy question if the great Paul would really die? That he wouldn’t see his mentor again this side of heaven? After all Paul survived so many trials and attempts on his life. Was there that niggling doubt—or hope—that Paul would return to continue to teach him? Guide him?

What about us?

Are the words we share to the young people around us impacting them? What about the “letters” those young eyes see — what we post on social media – are they for good or destruction? Do we impact lives with the words of eternal life and truth?

What about the youth where we have opportunities for influence? Parents, grandparents, teachers, etc. Do we provide lessons for leadership to assume their role in God’s plan for the earth? Proactively prepare them? Or do we just take over because, well, we can do it better and it takes less time to teach a young person?

Question: What would you write if you knew your days were short and a young person must now assume great responsibilities?

Like Paul for over a year, we were “imprisoned” in our homes. If we’ve learned anything from COVID, it’s we can do a lot while in our homes. Were our actions based on frustration? Or did we take the opportunities to make a difference?

Let’s take what we’ve learned – the good and not-so-good – and make an even greater impact for His kingdom. Amen?