Definition
The Cambridge Dictionary defines mentor as ‘a person who gives a younger or less experienced person help and advice over a period of time, especially at work or school.’
To be a mentor is to be a blessing, and a source of support to either someone with less experience, or to the younger generation. God has a mentorship model and the Scriptures act as a guide for us. For the flow of information and skill, mentorship is the process of sharing and equipping others with the power to gain invaluable wisdom, knowledge and understanding in any area of life.
Mentorship is to guide and lead, and in the Bible we see many examples of this. Jesus is not just our Lord and Savior, but our Mentor. We saw Him at work with the twelve disciples. He molded them using every day examples in his teachings, using Scripture and situations to illustrate points on spirituality and moral living. A prime example is how then Peter assisted the early church and Paul was a huge blessing to Timothy and many others.
Biblical examples
Here are some Scriptures that reveals God’s heart towards raising mentors, God being the ultimate and perfect Mentor and Teacher:
‘On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.’ Psalm 138:3
David reports how answered prayers and cries from God greatly impacted him, helping renew his strength in the face of enemies and adversity. As you prayerfully seek an opportunity to mentor, know that you will act as a source of strength and encouragement to many lives.
‘Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.’ 1 Timothy 5:1-2
Ultimately encouragement, guidance, gentle direction, and praying for your mentee will be your main purpose as a mentor. This Scripture is great as it sets the tone you will seek to imitate. Remember your mentee is depending on you for help. Communicate often with them and lift them up to the Lord. May He use you mightily!
‘Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?’ Amos 3:3
Be in agreement and alignment. Your gift will provide a source of inspiration for your mentee. Agree on the timeframe of this mentorship journey and the frequency of the contact so all expectations can be managed well. Strive for excellency and imparting knowledge that will be a blessing.
‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ Luke 22:21-32
A good mentor is balanced, does not judge and handles giving the mentee hard truths wisely and prayerfully.
Jesus in all His wisdom was able to foretell the plans of the enemy for Peter. Jesus informed Peter of what was to come and the positive outcome after the test. Albeit, there is one example of how not to do it, think of Eli in 1 Samuel,, though he was able to effectively show Samuel the way of the Lord. Concerning his own sons, they did not heed the voice of the Lord as Samuel did. In turn, Samuel later had issues with his own sons not fully giving themselves to the Word of the Lord.
‘Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.’ Titus 2:7-8
However, be it your age, experience or skillset, you’ll be able to see things that perhaps your mentee will not. Be real, but gracious and supportive to help them navigate when they have yet to see any issues that you can spot!
How can you put this into practice?
Is there anyone God is encouraging you to bless with your experience and knowledge? A young pastor or someone in church, or even a young person in the youth church? Pray that the Lord will direct you today.
