Christians are recovering sinners who gather together weekly; always striving to let old things pass away and allow all things to become new.  

     Years ago, I heard about a team of successful CEO’S that took on the challenge of mentoring gang members, all from different gangs. Some truly desired to escape the gang life, others just needed a safe-haven to escape a crisis. These CEO’S mentored them by first not holding their past against them; they did not try to force a change. But they worked to instill in them that the choices they make, either good or bad, have long term consequences.  And it’s never too late to start making better choices. Some gang members were harder to reach than others as they harbored petty rivalries against each other. Not getting past them would hinder them from moving forward. They had to learn to keep their eyes on their mentor and not on the other gang members. 

     When we first become believers, we are sinners graciously adopted into a family of “newly reformed believers”. We are encouraged to put the sin mentality behind us; and to avoid taking up causes & offenses of others, that bring division.  

     We must keep our eyes solely on Jesus; this affords us to reap all the benefits that God offers in His Living Word. When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit helps us to understand the Word and takes an active role in our lives. As we give the Holy Spirit permission, He begins the task of cleaning us up, which then enables God to do good works through us. He becomes our mentor! He becomes our partner and friend! We come to understand that although God loves everyone and is God to all ~ He is “Father” to the believer! 

     The Holy Spirit is our only true advocate, He councils us with Godly insight, He reveals the consequences of our choices, before we even make them, if we pray first.  He does this through prayer, through His Word, through a sermon, or through earthly mentors He has placed in our lives. God uses all this to help guide us on our walk. 

     Scripture says, “If we trust in the lord with all our heart and do not lean on our own understanding then He will direct our path.”