Dear Annie,
It’s been awhile since I write any letter to you. I’m
sorry. I’ve been very busy lately with the student ministry and my writings. My
books will be published next year. I’ll be back to see you soon and celebrate
together this achievement with thanksgivings and prayer together. It will be
fun! Oh, Annie, during one of the retreat last month, I have made a decision to
share our good news of romantic relationship with one of my well-trusted
colleagues. We talked man-to-man and I asked for his advice and wise
counselling. He also guide me in my journey as Christ follower and leader to
young people. I consider him as my mentor. Maybe I will introduce him to you
soon dear.
Early of this year, I realized of how important it is for
us to have and choose wise role models. To effectively strengthen our faith and
our relationships, we have to choose role models whose faith in God is strong.
The Bible encourage us: “Spend time with the
wise and you will become wise” (Proverbs 13:20). Never think that we
can guide our own lives without the help of others; and never thought that
we’re too spiritual that we don’t need any guidance.
Annie,
we need role models. When we emulate godly people, we become a more godly
person ourselves. But not just anyone, we must choose wisely. “Do not open you heart to every man,”
writes Thomas A’ Kempis, “but discuss
your affairs with one who is wise and who fears God.” We should seek out
mentors, who, by their words and their presence, make us a better person and a
better Christian. Howard Hendricks pointed out that “the effective mentor strives to help a man or woman discover what
they can be in Christ and then holds them accountable to become that person.”
Today, if you don’t have any role models, as a gift to
yourself, select from your friends, church members and family members, a mentor
whose judgment you trust. A mentor don’t
have to be perfect (nobody is perfect, after all) or flawless or a very
influential person. But he or she must be a mature Christian, growing disciple,
wise in applying the Word into actions, well thought of inside and outside the
Church and reverent fear of the Lord. Choose your spiritual mentor or
mentors. Choose your friends wisely too. Bill Hybels assured that “God often keeps us on the path by guiding us
through the counsel of friends and trusted spiritual advisors”.
Listen
carefully to your mentor’s advice and be willing to accept that advice, even if
accepting it requires effort or pain, or both. Remember, their advice is not
flawless or absolute and may sometime impractical and may not have all of the
answers. But by all mean consider your mentor or mentors to be God’s gift to
you. Ask, listen, and learn. As for any other God’s gifts, use this gift for
the glory of Christ’s Kingdom. I pray you’ll have wise role models to follow.
I’ll try my best to be
your spiritual mentor,
And you’ll somehow be my
mentor in the area of my weaknesses.
But above all let both of
us choose Lord Jesus Christ as our Supreme Role Model.
Akui
nyalam ikak,
Richard
THINK BIG.
START SMALL. GO DEEP.
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