Many years ago, those who served our communities as ministers of the Gospel were held in highest

esteem. Today, however, pastors are often viewed with a measure of suspicion, if not outright

skepticism. Today, on Insight for Living, we'll hear Chuck Swindall present his sixth and final

message in a brand new miniseries called the Pros and Cons of Ministry. Originally delivered at his

alma mater, Dallas Theological Seminary, Chuck spoke to pastors in training with compassion and

conviction. Teaching from 2 Timothy 3, he urged these seminarians to ignore their critics and make a

lasting difference.

Only one thing matters to you, and that is that your life count for eternity. Such a life never

just happens. It's never automatic. I found that people who want to make a lasting difference,

choose their mentors very carefully. Might work to based on the core section of 2 Timothy

chapter 3, verses 10 through 14. Paul looks in three directions. Exile examined them. In verses 10

and 11, he looks back. Paul writes, now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience,

love, perseverance, persecution and sufferings. Such has happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium,

and at Listera. What persecution I endured and out of them all, the Lord rescued me. When you

get to verses 12 and 13, he looks ahead. Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ, Jesus,

will be persecuted. Evil men and imposter will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being

deceived. You, however, meaning you, Timothy, you continue in the things you have learned and become

convinced of. So let's go into those three dimensions, first the past, verses 10 and 11.

Model the truth you have been taught by those you trusted. That's what I think the two verses are

saying. There's a helpful principle worth remembering, and it's this. There's a powerful link between

what we remember from those who taught us, those who were our mentors, and the way we continue today.

When I was going through my tour of duty in the Marine Corps, I was stationed for 16 months on the

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