When I was in college, I hit a rough patch spiritually. I was making poor life choices, running from the Lord, and, in general, heading for disaster. Thankfully, right when I needed it most, God placed a professor in my life who came alongside me and spoke biblical wisdom into my situation and helped guide me back to deeper waters in my faith. He went above and beyond what most professors would have done. He wasn’t just a teacher; he became a real spiritual mentor, investing in me personally. He poured into my life, offered counsel, and modeled what a faithful walk with God looked like. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Now, years later, as I’ve grown older and matured in my faith, I’ve come to understand something vital: what my professor did for me is part of the calling God has for all of us. We’re not meant to just walk the path of faith alone—we’re meant to walk it together. Scripture is full of examples of people who took this call seriously, investing in others and helping to shape their spiritual journeys.

One of the clearest pictures of this is Moses and Joshua. As Moses prepared to pass the leadership baton, he didn’t leave Joshua to figure things out on his own. He encouraged him, reminded him of God’s promises, and prepared him for what was ahead (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

Moses’ words of wisdom steadied Joshua, modeling for us how to intentionally support those in our sphere of influence.

Paul’s relationship with Timothy further exemplifies this. Paul didn’t just teach; he empowered and affirmed Timothy by reminding him of God’s promises and urging him to cultivate the spiritual gifts the Lord had given him (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

Discipleship involves speaking truth and purpose into others, enabling them to mature in the calling that the Lord has for each person.

The account of Paul and John Mark offers a lesson in grace for those in our care. Despite John Mark abandoning an early mission (Acts 13:13), Paul later recognized his growth and deemed him “useful” (2 Timothy 4:11). This highlights that spiritual mentorship sometimes means offering grace with the end goal of restoration after failures. Jesus is the ultimate example of grace and a reminder that grace should always be our first response.

As you think about your sphere of influence and those God has placed on your path, who is it you can pour spiritual maturity and wisdom into? Seek out these relationships and be intentional.

By Paky Kramer