“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7)

Have you ever tried to navigate a brand-new city without a map or a phone? You take a few wrong turns, hit a few dead ends, and eventually feel completely lost. But everything changes the moment a friendly local steps in to show you the way. Suddenly, the path makes sense.

Our faith journey is very similar. There is a simple, profound instruction in the book of Hebrews that we often read right past: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”

At surface level, this just sounds like a call to respect authority. But when we look closer, it is a beautiful reminder that God never expects us to figure out this journey completely on our own.

Growing up, there was a wonderful woman in our church who acted as that local guide for me. She opened her home to a few of us younger girls every single week. We would gather around her table, and she would simply spend time with us, opening the Bible and praying. Her love for Jesus was unmistakable. The deep impact of those quiet evenings changed the entire course of my life, simply because she taught me how to sit with the Lord.

Since those early days, God has graciously sent other mentors to walk beside me. They have patiently explained difficult truths, shared their own struggles, and shown me what faith looks like in the middle of ordinary life. Because of their generosity, I have been able to pass that same comfort and knowledge on to younger friends who are just starting out.

Here is a beautiful truth: the Lord will always send people to encourage and build us up. We are never left alone.

When we find these precious people who teach us the Word of God, we are called to honor them by imitating their faith. The Apostle Paul understood this deeply. He encouraged the early church in Philippi to join together in following his example, and to take careful note of those who lived according to that same pattern. The gospel is life-changing, so it naturally makes sense that those who spend time with Jesus will begin to think, act, and love differently.

When we look to the faith of those who have walked the road before us, it naturally creates a deep sense of unity. Paul captured this perfectly when he urged believers to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, standing firm in one spirit, and contending as one for the faith.

When we imitate the faithful lives of our mentors, we are not just copying their habits. We are actively shaping our own lives to be worthy of the gospel that saved and redeemed us.

Take a quiet moment to reflect on your own story today. Who are the people God has placed in your life to guide you? How can you honor their impact by stepping out to encourage someone else this week?

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Who has guided you in your faith, and what did you learn from them?

2. What is one habit or attitude of your mentor that you can practice this week?

3. How can you encourage someone else in their faith journey today?