The phone call came unexpectedly one night around 9:00 PM. It was Monty, a voice filled with concern, checking in on why I had missed class. Monty Sholund, a classmate of the famed Jim Elliot at Wheaton College, had devoted 35 years to missionary work before founding the Village Schools of the Bible. His mission was to deepen believers’ understanding and application of Scripture.
I had enrolled in Monty’s yearlong Bible survey, held each week at our church. He insisted on commitment; if you hadn’t completed your assignment, you were expected not to attend. That week, admittedly without a substantial reason, I had skipped both the assignment and the class. Monty’s call made me feel accountable in a way that was unexpectedly intense.
A Needed Push Toward Growth
Monty’s approach might sound harsh, but it was grounded in a deep desire to see his students flourish spiritually. He didn’t merely lecture; he engaged personally with his students, expecting them to live up to their potential not just academically, but in their spiritual formation. His call wasn’t just about a missed class; it was a prompt to evaluate my priorities and dedication, not only to the course but to my spiritual growth.
The conversation that night wasn’t comfortable. Monty pointed out a complacency in my approach that I had managed to ignore. He reminded me that my spiritual journey was something to be taken seriously, that my time and how I chose to use it should reflect my commitment to growth in Christ.
Encouragement Comes in Many Forms
Encouragement isn’t always about affirmations or gentle consolations. Sometimes, it’s about facing the uncomfortable truths about ourselves—about having someone care enough to confront us with our shortcomings in a spirit of love. Monty’s challenge was a form of encouragement, pushing me to not settle for mediocrity but to strive for a deeper commitment.
In Hebrews 12:1, we are reminded to “run with endurance the race that is set before us,” shedding every weight and sin that clings so closely. This kind of encouragement—firm, direct, yet from a place of love—is crucial because it urges us to look critically at ourselves and realign with our spiritual purpose.
The Gift of Honest Reflection
Monty’s words lingered long after our call ended. They spurred a period of self-reflection where I considered how I had been using (or misusing) the gifts God had given me, including my time. This reflection wasn’t just about improving my course performance, but was a deeper, more introspective look at how I was living out my faith daily.
Why We Need Tough Love in Our Spiritual Lives
Monty’s approach exemplifies a biblical truth: real love often involves difficult conversations. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” True friends—and true mentors—do not shy away from giving hard advice when it is needed. They know that sometimes, you need to be shaken to be shaped.
The Legacy of a Mentor
Monty passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of robust, compassionate discipleship. His life was a testament to the power of godly mentorship—combining encouragement with accountability. He was a spiritual shepherd who used both comfort and challenge to guide his flock.
This kind of leadership is rare yet profoundly impactful. It teaches us that spiritual growth is not just about comfort and passive consumption of biblical truths but about active engagement and sometimes, uncomfortable obedience to God’s calling.
As I reflect on Monty’s influence on my life, I am reminded of the importance of mentors who are willing to challenge us. His model of encouragement was holistic: it was not just about building up but also about correcting and directing. In this, Monty embodied the biblical call to “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13).
Emulating Faithful Stewardship
Monty’s life challenges us to embrace every aspect of spiritual encouragement, including those that require us to face our shortcomings. As we continue to navigate our spiritual journeys, let us seek to both provide and receive this full spectrum of encouragement, fostering a community that grows together in truth and love.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Faith Activist
Featured Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
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