Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
A Spiritual Health Check-Up - How is Your Discipleship?
“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV).
Our health is very important to us. Many of us try to watch what we eat and try to exercise. We go to the doctor each year for a flu shot and an annual check-up. There has been an increased awareness in recent years regarding the need for mental health awareness. Our mental health is related to our physical health. I wonder if we give our spiritual health the same attention as we do our physical and mental health? I see our overall health as a three-legged stool: mental, physical, and spiritual, and they are all equally important and equally dependent on each other.
For many of us, when we think of our spiritual health, we think of prayer, service, witness, tithes, worship, and Scripture. These are all good things, but hopefully, they are all equipping you as a disciple. If you claim to be a Christian and are not engaged in discipleship, your faith is lukewarm (Revelation 3:16).
A Christian is a disciple of Jesus and is committed to bringing others to Jesus. To do so, we must be in a community with others. This sense of community not only brings others to Christ but strengthens our discipleship and our spiritual health.
Paul was an author of many of the books of the New Testament. He was a mature Christian that was dedicated to raising up Christian disciples and leaders in the new Church. Timothy traveled with Paul and was mentored by him.
It is important for us all to have a “Paul” and a “Timothy” in our life. A “Paul” is typically an older mentor, has been a Christian longer than you, and helps you to grow spiritually. A “Timothy” is somebody who hasn’t been a Christian as long as you, and you are helping to disciple and encourage them. I am a “Paul” and “Timothy” for some men, and some men serve these roles for me. These roles not only help my personal discipleship but also honor God by growing His kingdom. Also, having these people in my life builds up my support team and helps my spiritual health. Ecclesiastes 4:12 teaches us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul writes to Timothy: “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” We see God’s plan for discipleship in this verse. Paul wants Timothy to find somebody to mentor. If Christian leaders don’t raise up new Christian leaders, then who will? Who will help us with our spiritual health? Who will help mentor and encourage the next generation of disciples? Find a Paul and a Timothy and be a Paul and a Timothy. Be blessed as you are a blessing to others.
Prayer: Dear God: We thank you for those that have walked before us such as Paul and Timothy. Thank you for the peace that we have through the Bible. Help us dear God to both find and be a Timothy and Paul.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
Obstacles to Joy
Obstacles to Joy “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). We all have stress and anxiety. These are obstacles to the happiness that we all seek. I think what is important is how we deal with these obstacles. A little bit of stress is natural and no problem. It can be helpful and protect us from dangerous situations. Regardless of the source of our stress, we as Christians have a proven method to rid ourselves of it but it takes courage... -
Why Are You Asking “Why?”
Why Are You Asking “Why?” “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I - and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me . . . I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:2-3, 6 NLT). I suspect the most common question that people ask God begins with “why.” Why was my house destroyed in the fire? Why am I so unhappy? Why don’t... -
Finding Peace in Times of Adversity
Finding Peace in Times of Adversity "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7 NIV ). We learn at a young age that there are two things certain in life - death and taxes. I would add a third to that list: adversity. We all have experienced some form of adversity in our life from death of a family member, loss of a job, divorce, etc. My first real experience with adversity was when I was 9 years old and my sister died in a car crash. My Christian roots were shallow and so my coping skills...