Week 3 of 4: The work required (or should I say, stewardship desired)

Wheatful Wednesday with Wheat and Honey Co.

Today, we are looking at the close relationship between Paul and Timothy. A relationship more developed as a mentor-mentee relationship but a great example for today’s theme of friendship.

While this example is one of mentorship and our topic for today is not specifically that, I think this example profoundly illustrates the beauty in the diligence, care, and loyalty it takes to nurture meaningful friendships.

Relationships take work. Any type of relationship. What is specifically on my heart to hold space for thought about today is the deep desire we have to steward the trust our people have in us well, to always leave them better than we found them, and to constantly look for opportunities to show up for them in ways that mean something special to them.

It takes diligence, as we see in the relationship between Paul and Timothy, to seek to know our people and how to show up for them. It takes care and loyalty to nurture the relationships that matter most to us. It requires us to slow down, forget about the next task on our mind, and focus on the moment with our people.

Paul and Timothy developed a close relationship through themes of spiritual mentorship when Paul took Timothy under his wing during his second missionary journey, mentoring him and preparing him for ministry. We also see Paul’s letters to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2 and18, and 2 Timothy 1:2) refer to Timothy as "my true son in the faith," emphasizing this strong bond between them. 

We also see their shared goals to serve God and His people, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:10,. We see their loyalty, encouragement, and support of one another through Philippians 2:22 (where Paul recognizes Timothy’s proven character and loyalty, emphasizing the importance of assurance a person is ready to be entrusted with ministry) and 1 Timothy 4:12 (where Paul encourages Timothy to set an example and pursue his ministry regardless of his young age). These are a few references to ponder as we open our Bibles to go deeper.

I also love that Paul and Timothy have a relationship they state is a bond like family. Our chosen family, as some of us today title it. This deep, meaningful, and safe friendship is possible and God desires it for us.

My hope is that our closer looks at a few relationship examples in the word of God can spur us on in thought about how God wants our relationships to look with tangible examples of character and love that honor the Lord.

- Britt Goff #wheatfulwednesday #wheatfulwomanpodcast

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