Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13: 7

This afternoon I had the chance to catch up with a younger man I worked alongside during the last ten years of my pharmaceutical career. He’s moved on to what he jokingly called “greener pastures,” and I’ve stepped into retirement from that season of work. It was good to reconnect—to hear how life has unfolded for him.

Toward the end of our conversation, he shared something that really encouraged me. He’s been involved in a mentoring program for middle school students in the city’s public school system. Each year he’s given a new group of kids. And each year, he told me, he’s amazed at the difference between who they are in August and who they become by May. That’s mentoring.

And in the Christian world, mentoring closely parallels what we call discipleship. Jesus’ words in what we often refer to as the Great Commission still ring clearly today:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19–20

Notice that phrase: “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Discipleship isn’t just passing along information. It’s walking with someone long enough to see growth. It’s investing, encouraging, correcting, modeling, and praying. It’s helping someone move from where they are to where God is leading them.

My friend sees measurable progress over a school year. Confidence grows. Habits change. Maturity develops. Why? Because someone showed up consistently.

It made me think: How much progress are we making in discipling others—or allowing ourselves to be discipled?
Discipleship isn’t reserved for pastors or professionals. It happens over coffee tables, in living rooms, on phone calls, in carpools, and during ordinary conversations. It happens when we open God’s Word together and when we model faithfulness in everyday life.

Whether you’re mentoring a middle school student, encouraging a coworker, guiding a young believer, or simply living faithfully before your family—your investment matters. Growth may feel slow or non-existent at times. But over time, the difference between the beginning and the end can be remarkable.

So keep showing up. Keep teaching. Keep encouraging. Keep growing.