How do we encourage young women to follow a godly example in a world emphasizing independence, individuality, and uniqueness?
Recently, I observed one of our preteens in the front row during a worship service. Until recently, sweet Mila was so shy and introverted that the thought of raising her hands in worship overwhelmed her with fear. My heart beamed as I watched her standing with her hands raised. She was leaning forward and backward in a rocking motion, singing and worshiping with all her heart. After a few services, I realized she was unintentionally imitating one of our worship leaders, Angel Austin. Her arm movements, stance, rocking, and heartfelt singing were almost identical to Angel’s.
As I assessed the situation, it occurred to me that she was emulating many other things during this formative season in her life. When does the season of imitation end? Never! While it ebbs and flows, it never ceases. We are continually mentoring and being mentored by others.
In I Corinthians, Paul urges us, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1, ESV). Titus 2 reinforces this idea, instructing older women to teach (mentor) younger women.
Everyone is older than someone else. The twenty-year-old women in our church mentor preteens in a way I cannot. Each generation can relate well to the younger generation; the 30s mentor the 20s, the 40s and 50s mentor the 30s, and so on. While older women can mentor twenty-year-olds, the opportunities are more limited.
In 1624, the English poet John Donne wrote a poem that begins, “No man is an island entire of itself.” True words. We are all mentors to someone. We are watched, imitated, mentoring others, and being mentored. Nobody is an island.
BECOMING A MENTOR WITH PURPOSE
How can we purposely become better mentors? It’s simpler than you might think.
TIME: Spend time with others.
Time is precious, and too much is wasted. Social media, reels, shorts, Netflix, YouTube, and more have not only become a drain on our time but also become our unintentional mentors, often with unfit, worthless teaching. Since the pandemic, we have realized more than ever that seclusion can be detrimental. Time spent with others is the most effective way to influence others; nothing can replace our time together.
EXAMPLE: Live like you’re always followed.
As a young girl, I wanted to be a pastor’s wife. My pastor’s wife was a wonderful example, making it look easy. (Little did I know!) She was an example of faithfulness, godliness, and kindness. She was hospitable, lovely, gracious, and could sleep as late as she wanted. Now, I’m really laughing! I’ve often told her that her example did not match my real-life experience as a pastor’s wife. But it gave me a desire to follow in her footsteps. We should always strive to live a life that reflects Jesus and is worthy of following.
CONSISTENCY: Hold fast and be consistent.
Admit it: life often throws unexpected challenges our way, making it feel like we’re swinging at curveballs and sometimes missing the mark. How will we respond? Will our lives show consistency? Will we remain faithful, punctual, and disciplined in our lifestyle and home life? Nothing tarnishes or wrecks a mentoring relationship more than inconsistency. Consistency builds trust, and that trust tells others, “You can count on me.” My sweet friend, hold steady. Anchor your life on truth, God’s unchanging Word. You can achieve this by studying God’s Word daily.
I wish I could tell you that the Following Titus 2 mentoring program has an easy three-step implementation process guaranteed to succeed, but I cannot. I’ve made a few attempts throughout the years without success. However, when we follow Titus 2, led by example in our homes with our families, and consistently apply God’s Word, we become beautiful biblical examples like the mentors Paul describes in I Corinthians. In this way, we fulfill the mission of mentoring.
My encouragement for you today is to find a godly example to follow and be a godly example for others. Read, study, and saturate your heart with God’s Word daily; it will be an obvious reflection for others to follow.
Make it your purpose to live a life worthy of imitation.
Gena Caruthers, founder of Following Titus 2 (followingtitus2.com), envisions women teaching and encouraging one another to be in God’s Word daily. FT2 has published thirteen Bible studies (including two in Spanish), prayer journals, and sermon note-takers to support this goal. Gena and her husband, David, pastor Calvary Church in San Antonio, Texas.
