A Trust Worthy of Investment

REFLECTIONS
October 24, 2010

In second Timothy 4:6-22 we see the most pastoral side of the letter to Timothy. Here a seasoned pastor (Paul) writes an adopted son (Timothy) deep words of encouragement as one’s life and ministry is ending and the other’s is just starting. Any among us who have had the privilege of knowing a Spiritual Mentor can appreciate the power of this passage. If we do our work of faith effectively, we end up worn out and fearless in the end.

Though the language of having ‘fought the good fight, and finished the race’ have what we might call the meaning of sporting competition, the unique difference is the authorship and intent. In Greek to receive a bouquet of flowers or a laurel crown would mean a personal physical achievement for an individual. Whereas in the Jewish tradition Paul hailed from, this would be a spiritual celebration representing the joy of a life of faith.

I am all too well aware that many people are deprived of good mentors. In youth, their parents are either poor or absent role models. Which is why I celebrate and count as gifts the mentors throughout my life. My parents were from what author Tom Brokaw calls “The Greatest Generation.” Solid, unspectacular people whose life patterns are the benchmark I strive to live toward as a citizen. They did not preach their faith they just set about living it. In school, from elementary to junior high, then on to high school and college and finally graduate school, I was fortunate to have teachers who were academic mentors if you will. Individuals who knew the value of learning and willingly showed interest and shared of their gifts. Finally in my professional life as a pastor I have been no less fortunate. I have written from time to time about Dr. J. Miles Acker, Jr., who was so generous with his time and talent as I was emerging professionally. Miles was the best kind of mentor and teacher in that complacency was a dead end road for him. Any time he felt I was entering this realm or worse, becoming closed to new thoughts, he would jab me in the ribs with a thought or phrase capable of jolting me back on track. The good doctor is gone a dozen years and I miss him still.

What mentors teach mostly is the power of investment in the lives of those around us. They model the value of being interested in people, in loving , and caring for the community and the planet. They never preach action, rather they live for it till they drop. I still have mentors though I am nearly thirty years into my call to ministry. For me the reason is simple and selfish. My desire is not to rust-out but rather to wear out.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601