The first value that I would want you to emulate would be not to become cynical or skeptical of God’s power to change lives. Many times it seems that those who make a profession don’t follow through as we would desire. But please never doubt that God can and does change the lives of those He invades. Even if it seems to you that your preaching and/or teaching has no apparent immediate or long term effect, please do not stop preaching the gospel. Believe as the Apostle Paul did that it is the power of salvation for everyone who believes.
The second value that I hope I have demonstrated and that I would want you to emulate is that the goal of teaching is not simply to convey information but to bring about transformation. Hopefully, those whom you mentor would be like the Grinch and have their hearts grow four times larger rather than have their heads filled with knowledge that makes no difference in the conduct of their lives. Please make sure that you make every effort to have your mentors not simply do the right things but that they do them for the right reasons. True transformation comes not out of a sense of duty, but rather out of an attitude of love and gratefulness.
The last value which I hope I have modeled and that I would want you to emulate is to be respectful with those who disagree. Sometimes we tend to use truth as a hammer. Remember Jesus was characterized by both truth and grace. God doesn’t need your help to defend him only to proclaim Him. Do this is a loving non-contentious manner. After all, the unbeliever is held captive by the Devil; it is not that he won’t believe but rather that he can’t believe unless God enlightens him. So avoid arguments and simply preach Christ crucified as Paul did. Remember you do not save anyone only God does that. So continue to be faithful in the proclamation of the gospel and leave the results to him.
Finally, the road that lies ahead of you I believe will be arduous and difficult. However the One who called you is faithful, and because of that I am confident you will make it.
Dan Siegrist