Christian Mentoring

Image by nattu - Flickr

Image by nattu - Flickr

What is a mentor?  A mentor is someone who is experienced and knowledgeable with good character who shares information with a person who is less experienced so that person can have greater skills and success.  To be a good mentor one must:

1). Communicate well so that information is effectively passed on

2). Be relational so that a bond exists between the teacher and student

3). Have expertise that is worthy of teaching

4)  A person who is an encourager and inspires others to do their best

5)  Leads by example

6)  Seeks no personal gain but is rewarded by the giving

7)  Be in it for a sustained time until the skill or skills are transferred

God mentors us.  The greatest of all mentors is His son.  While on this earth Jesus set and example for all of us to follow.  However, when we begin to mentor, our hearts should be in it like Jesus has for us (Isaiah 58:1-9).  Lovingly sacrificing our energy and time seems to be irrational to those who seek things for themselves.  However, if we are truly intent on pleasing God, we need to put ourselves last in our own eyes and elevate God’s greater purpose first.

When we mentor our wisdom and our positive energies, we need to be patient. Understand we are imperfect and sin (Galatians 6:1-10).   Teach and implore others to do what is right with a loving heart.  And, most of all, understand that by passing on the torch light of God’s wisdom we are doing exactly which Jesus did for all of us.  He wants us to succeed and we should want others to do the same.