Mentorship and Discipleship
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Equip
Scripture: Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. – Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
Spiritual growth is rarely a solo endeavor. God designed us for community because He knows that left to our own devices, our edges become dull. ‘Iron sharpening iron’ involves honest, sometimes challenging, and always encouraging interaction. We need friends who will hold us accountable, point us back to Scripture, and demand that we live up to our calling in Christ. Conversely, we have a responsibility to be the ‘iron’ for others, pouring into them what we have received.
Who are the people in your life who have permission to speak truth into your heart? If you don’t have such people, ask God to provide them. At the same time, look for someone you can mentor—a younger believer or a peer who needs the encouragement you have to give. Discipleship is the process of sharpening one another until we are all fully conformed to the image of Jesus. Don’t be a lone ranger; lean into the relationships that make your faith sharper and more resilient.
Prompt: Who are the individuals in your life that sharpen your faith, and who are you intentionally sharpening?
Action Step: The Equip module emphasizes that participating in discipleship training and mentorship is essential for spiritual growth.
Next Step: Reach out to a spiritually mature friend and schedule a time to talk about your faith.