Day 6 - Being Mentored and Shaped

Scripture Reading — Jeremiah 18:1-6; John 14:15-31; 2 Peter 1:3-8

If you visit a secular bookstore and ask for a book on personal growth, you will be pointed to the self-help section. But human expertise cannot produce qualities that reflect divine character. We have to be mentored and shaped by the Master so that God’s thoughts become our thoughts, and Christ’s character becomes ours.

The Spirit has many mentoring roles in the lives of believers. Among other things, the Spirit reminds us of what Christ has taught us. The Spirit produces fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit convicts us of our sin (John 16:8). The Spirit testifies about Jesus and challenges us to testify also (John 15:26-27). God has placed the Holy Spirit within us to remind us of His truth and teaching. 

We are clay in the hands of a skillful Potter. In His work of spiritual transformation, God constantly molds and shapes us. At times, an encounter with the living Christ through His Word will infuse us with grace that moves us quickly to a new level of devotion and commitment. At other times, the potter must break the pot and start over again because the clay has become hard and dried up.

We are divinely mentored day by day all without having a scheduled appointment. All we need to do is come with a willing heart to hear God’s Word. The Spirit will do the heavy lifting of convicting our hearts and reshaping our lives.

If you can no longer be molded, you need to repent and experience the shattering grace of God’s love. If you’ve reached a spiritual plateau (a place of little or no change), you need to discover (by God’s Spirit) the undeveloped areas of your personality or giftedness that need His powerful touch. And if you’re gradually growing, you need simply to rejoice and increase your thanksgiving.

Follow the Spirit’s lead to bear fruit and allow the Spirit to do His transforming work in you and others.

Lord, let Your Spirit take up residence in us and produce the lasting fruit of transformation within us. Reshape whatever is broken in us into something that reflects your love and purpose. Thank You for giving us everything we need for life and godliness. Mentor us so that we can both know and experience Your great and precious promises. Refashion each one of us into Your likeness until we are vessels that are useful to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.