Cultivating the Potential in Others

One of the clearest marks of spiritual maturity is the shift from simply using our own God-given gifts to intentionally helping others discover, develop, and deploy theirs. This kind of generational discipleship ensures that the work of God’s kingdom continues and multiplies long after we are gone.

Scripture calls older believers to invest in the next generation—not only by modeling godly living, but by actively teaching and training the young to live fruitfully (Titus 2:1-8). When we do this, we strengthen the entire body of Christ and prepare tomorrow’s leaders today.

The Bible is filled with powerful examples of mentors who saw hidden potential and drew it out:

• Elijah invested deeply in Elisha, passing on a double portion of his spirit and raising up a prophet who would continue the mission (1 Kings 19:19- 21; 2 Kings 2:9-15).
• Paul poured his life into Timothy, equipping a young man to become and grow as a bold leader and church planter (2 Timothy 1:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:1-2).
• Jethro wisely counseled Moses, preventing burnout and creating a sustainable leadership structure that allowed God’s people to thrive for generations (Exodus 18:13-27).

Mentorship brings profound benefits to everyone in- volved. It protects leaders from exhaustion and burnout by sharing the load (Exodus 18:17-18), multiplies ministry impact as gifted believers step into their callings (2 Timothy 2:2), and builds unity and maturity in the church as every part does its work (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Our calling is bigger than personal success—it’s about helping every brother and sister find and use the unique gifts God has placed in them for the kingdom’s sake (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11). When we do, the body of Christ grows stronger, the gospel advances farther, and God receives greater glory. To our elder brothers and sisters, I encourage you to not only walk the walk in Christ, but to build up our younger brethren in their gifts to do the same. So look around you today. Whose potential do you see? How will you encourage, equip, and release them to shine for God’s kingdom?