A couple of weeks ago, I was in a seminar taught by experts on differences between the generations. One of the experts started off by telling us about some research that had recently been done with a large group of women. This group was asked, “How many of you are looking for a spiritual mentor?”

The hand of every Millennial woman (those born between 1980 and 2000 roughly) in the room went up.

“How many of you have one?” the expert then asked. Nearly all of the raised hands were lowered.

The older women gasped audibly. It was obvious that these young women needed- and wanted- them!

In Titus 2, Paul instructed the women who were more mature in the faith to take an interest in and help younger women. No matter where you are in your faith, it is God’s way that we are constantly being invested in by people ahead of us and are investing in people behind us. This mingling of the generations is good for everybody and it doesn’t have to be complicated, awkward or formal.

If you don’t have anyone to invest in, here are a few hints to get you started. First, look around your church and neighborhood. Women (especially those trapped at home with babies and young children) are often lonely for adult conversation. They would welcome you offering to meet them at the local playground to chat while their kids swing. (Extra points if you bring coffee.) Pray that God will guide you to the women that He wants you investing in.

You don’t have to worry that your conversations all include a twelve-point explanation of the book of Haggai. In Titus 2, Paul instructed that, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good (vs. 7).” We can allow our relationships to develop organically. As our relationships grow we will naturally have more and more opportunities to discuss spiritual things.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of this ministry. An alarming percentage of Millennial’s who stopped attending church state that they did so because they didn’t feel any relational connection to the church. How different that would be if there were women actively befriending them!

No matter where we are in our journey with Jesus, we should always be looking ahead to those who can teach us and behind us to those that we can train up in the faith. There is a place for every single one of us, and our obedience could make all the difference for someone else.

(For those who have missed any of the previous lessons, you can go to https://comethirstyministry.com/blog/ and view all previous postings.)

Week Forty-Eight

Day 1: Titus 2:1-15 (Older and Younger Women)
Day 2: Philemon 1:1-25 (Apphia)
Day 3: Hebrews 11:1-16 (Sarah)
Day 4: Hebrews 11:17-40 (Moses’ Mother and Rahab)
Day 5: James 2:14-26 (Rahab)