SEPTEMBER 5

A Lost Treasure

2 Timothy 4:5

THERE WE SAT, A CLUSTER OF SIX. A stubby orange candle burned and dripped at the center of our table. Flickering eerie shadows crossed all our faces. One spoke; five listened. Every question was handled with such grace, such effortless ease. Each answer was drawn from deep reservoirs, shaped by tough decisions and nurtured over time. Like forty years in the same church. And seasoned by travel. Like having ministered around the world. And honed by tests, risks, heartbreaks, and failures. It was those decades in the same crucible year after year that made his counsel invaluable. Had those years been spent in the military, he would have a chest full of medals. He was our mentor. And he poured his soul into us. His name was Ray Stedman. I should add, the man changed my life.

Reminds me of the apostle Paul, in his final letter, writing words of affection and concern to one he had mentored for so many years:

You should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

2 TIMOTHY 4:5

I found myself profoundly grateful that Ray’s shadow had crossed my life. In a day of tarnished leaders, fallen heroes, busy fathers, cursing coaches, arrogant authority figures, and preoccupied profs, we need mentors like Ray, more than ever. Such rare finds are guides, not gods. Mentors know how to stretch us without insulting us, affirm us without flattering us, make us think without requiring their answers in return, release us without abandoning us. They’re always right there, even though they may be a thousand miles away. Ray became my invisible partner, whispering hope and reproofs along my erratic journey toward maturity. What a treasure I lost when he died. I still miss him.

Do you have a “Ray” in your life? Who could be a mentor to you?