My Paul? My Timothy?

Met with the CFWK Staff last night at their weekly staff meeting. It was a great time of celebration, planning and critiquing of their preview service. Also, as a staff they are going through I Timothy together, so I (briefly) got to be a part of their small group Bible Study.

Side note, I love I Timothy.

During their discussion, I was reminded of a Youthworker @ CF/FBCP back in the day... Mike. Mike and his wife, Rose, were instrumental in both Amy and my spiritual growth when we were young teenagers at the church. As mentors, as friends, they "raised the bar" for us and challenged us to live a life beyond reproach - physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Periodically I'll see Mike when he comes back in town, and every time he will work in two simple questions...

Who's your Paul?
Who's your Timothy?

As you read Paul's Letters, you can see the mentoring relationship that Paul had with Timothy, how Paul was trying to duplicate himself through Timothy. And history shows how Timothy soaked up the relationship with Paul, taking the opportunity to learn from his mentor.

Almost fifteen years later, I've had many Pauls in my life. Men (and women) that have mentored, trained, helped, rebuked, corrected and beat (yes, beat) God be part of my life.

And fifteen years later, I've had many Timothys as well. People who have looked beyond my own limitations and see that God can truly use a person if they simply open themselves up to Him.

So to you, the Pauls of my life (and you know who you are), thank you for being that influence. And to you, the Timothys of my life (and you know who you are), thank you for allowing me to be part of your life. It's poetic to see how God uses both of these relationships to bring you towards a closer relationship with Him.

So, right now in your life...
Who's your Paul?
Who's your Timothy?