Key Bible Verse: "You know these things—now do them! That is the path of blessing" (John 13:17). Bonus Reading: James 1:22-25

Effective mentors know that telling isn't teaching. They must live the truth themselves and demonstrate its relevance. Here's a case in point:

My six-year-old son, Matthew, had head knowledge that tooth brushing is important, but didn't really believe it. I had to keep reminding him to complete his nightly brushing assignment. So I decided to include him in my older son's trip to the dentist.

"It looks like we've got two cavities here," the dentist told Andrew after inspecting his mouth. Matthew's eyes widened as the dentist pulled out a syringe and injected Novocain into Andrew's gums. His body tensed as the dentist set to work with his drill. As the dentist finished the fillings, he asked, "Andrew, have you been brushing your teeth every night? If you don't, you'll have more cavities that I'll need to fill during your next visit." Now Matthew became a believer, brushing nightly. But gradually he slacked off.

After six months it was Matthew's turn to see the dentist. "You don't have any cavities," the dentist announced, "and I'm sure it's because you've been brushing your teeth. Way to go!" Recognizing his undeserved good fortune, Matthew began to faithfully brush his teeth every night.

—Daniel Egeler in Shaping the Next Generation

My Response: What truth do I know, but have yet to value, internalize, and act on?

Adapted from Shaping the Next Generation (NavPress, 2003) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me form a relationship with another man that spurs significant growth for both.

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