Posted on January 22, 2010 - by Larry

The next person

Have you ever written down in your journal the people who have influenced you in positive ways over the years?

Who have you invested in ?

We need people on both lists.

I was listening to a message last Sunday in a church here in our town. The text was 2 Timothy 2:2

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

Maybe it is Facebook but I have thought a lot about high school and college lately. It was in my freshmen year of college that I became quite serious about my commitment to follow Jesus on a daily basis. The Lord provided me with several mentors.

I remember Ken who took me as a college student to share Christ with other students in our area.

I remember Ed who took me through MasterLife 1,2 and then started making up more to walk me through as a college student.

I remember Larry who challenge me in music (hard to believe) and to not be afraid to tell my story.

I remember David who taught me how to relate to people that I lead and to serve people I lead as Jesus would.

The list could go on.  I was pretty rough around the edges.

All of these people during College and Seminary made major investments in me. They mentored me. They helped me in my spiritual journey. They helped me in my leadership journey.

As I have started a new year I have been thinking about this quite a bit. Who am I investing in? My family, colleagues, students, new  missionaries on the field, national believers, etc..

I know the benefits will out last me. If I invest my time, energy and resources in others then it can go beyond my lifetime.