I’ve heard most my Christian Life, everyone needs a Paul, Timothy and Barnabas in your life. Paul, represents a mentor, Timothy represents a student and Barnabas represents someone who encourages.

I’ve been pondering this idea that I believe originated with Howard Hendricks years ago. When considering a discipleship relationship, I believe thinking in these designations is not that helpful. Imagine I come into a relationship with you and I am assuming, I am Paul. I’m going to help you grow in your faith. That thought will ultimately tarnish the relationship and make it top heavy.

I think what we need more than one of each of these in our lives, is to be all three to whoever we are in relationship with. Here is what I mean. During my time as leader of a men’s ministry, even though I may have more Bible knowledge than most the other men, in my relationship with them we were equals, peers from my vantage point. There were times I was coaching or teaching like Paul, but other times I was the student, learning from these men like a Timothy. We all took turns being Barnabas, or encouragers to each other.

Rather than looking for one of each, humble yourself and become all of them in your relationships with others!

Blessings,

Scott