For most of my ministry life I have worked on – and encouraged others to adopt – the principle of having at least one ‘Paul’ and one ‘Timothy’ in my life. The idea is not original to me but what I mean by it is that we need older and more experienced Christians to be speaking into our lives – Pauls – and we should always have younger believers – Timothys – that we are intentionally investing in and helping shape for the future.

When I was a bit younger I used to wonder how the ‘Paul’ dimension of that principle would work as I got older myself. I needn’t have worried. Now in my 71st year, I have the huge privilege of having, among others, three dear friends, all of whom are 94 or 95 and with whom I spend time from time to time and who, as much by example as anything, truly speak into my life.

Eddie is a still very active member in his local church, jealous for the cause of Christ and a great encourager. David is a former elder in the church he helped start many years ago and full of wisdom and insight. Iain is a world famous author, still busily writing, and one of those people whose godliness shows in not wanting to talk about himself but you and how he can pray for you..

I love spending time with the Timothys in my life – and there are many – but I am grateful to God for keeping men like Eddie, David and Iain around so I can learn more of what it is to follow Christ faithfully to the end.

The righteous flourish like the palm tree
and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
They are planted in the house of the Lord;
they flourish in the courts of our God.
They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
to declare that the Lord is upright;
he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

(Psalm 92:12-15)

T