Mentoring Our Little Ones

Yesterday in Bible class our teacher was encouraging those of us who wanted to, to sign up to be a mentor to others in the class who may not be as seasoned in the Word as some of us who have been Christians for a long time. As always, my mind goes down a "bunny trail" wondering what mentoring is really all about.

My thoughts are first and foremost to my family, especially my grandchildren. As tiring and busy as it may often be to have young ones around, when I've been in an "empty-nester" for 7 years. But I count it a great joy to mentor my little ones. Many times, I've prayed, "Lord what is it that I'm doing here?" Meaning after all these years in Haiti, now I'm "here." Every time I have a clear sensing that "I'm standing in the gap." That is a great responsibility to "stand in the gap," meaning we give warnings when danger or the enemy is near.

We are commanded to teach our children "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deut 6:6-7 (NIV)  Basically it is commanding us to teach our children God's law and word in every situation.

My favorite example of mentoring in the scripture is Paul and Timothy. Paul called Timothy "my true child in the faith" I Tim 1:2. And again in 2 Tim 2:2, Paul calls him his "beloved son." He taught Timothy every thing he needed to know to carry on the ministry of the Gospel.

How are we doing in this? Are we really teaching our children? There are many times throughout the day when we as parents/grandparents can be using the Word of God as examples for things that are happening. We can instill the Word of God into their hearts. One thing we have done recently is enroll them in AWANA club at church. This will be another way for them to learn.

There are times when I wonder if I am really making an impression on their little minds. I had an answer this summer, when the kids were going on a road trip. So I said "What am I going to do without you for so long a time?" Zion, 5 years old, pops out the answer, "Well Grandma you can read your Bible." I was thrilled that they do notice that I am reading my Bible often. Now at bedtime, they want me to read something from the Bible. What a privilege this is.

So I encourage you to make the Word of God alive in the lives our little children. It may take a while before you see signs of your faithfulness to this, but it will come. I love to hear how their little minds are thinking. We as God's children are the light in this dark world. 

His Grace Abounds
Barb