MENTORSHIP

Ole Ernest Lee got to thinking about mentors/spiritual guides/confidants God has put in his life through the years. I’ve had some good ‘uns. In the Scripture, there are several examples of people who mentored:

Moses and Joshua: Moses mentored Joshua early in their wilderness journey, and God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites later because Moses had prepared him.

Paul and Timothy: Paul instructed Timothy to pass on his knowledge, wisdom, and faith to others.  Timothy joined Paul on his missionary journeys, and their relationship grew to the point that Paul called Timothy “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). In Acts 16, Paul intentionally chose Timothy to travel with him to help Timothy grow in his faith.

Allister Begg has an excellent sermon on Paul and Timothy’s relationship. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUheTt2lrys

Elizabeth and Mary: Elizabeth mentored Mary, who lived with her for three months.  That seems odd that John the Baptist’s mom mentored Mary, but bear in mind Mary was young when she gave birth to Jesus.

Jesus and the twelve disciples: Jesus mentored his disciples both individually and as a group.  This was the ultimate mentoring- learning from the Creator and Saviour.

Jethro and Moses: Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, mentored Moses after observing him try to resolve disputes among the Israelites.  He recommended that Moses delegate some authority to able men.

Eli and Samuel: Eli mentored Samuel after Samuel’s mom left him with Eli. Eli did a much better job with Samuel than he did with his own sons.

Naomi and Ruth: Naomi mentored Ruth.

Much is made about mentoring from secular and spiritual corners. Successful mentor relationships result in benefits to all parties- the mentor, the protégé, and the organization. Paul recognized the value of developing Timothy into a more effective vessel for preaching the gospel, but wasn’t just about Paul’s desire to see Timothy a better Bible study or a better preacher. Paul genuinely cared for Timothy. Their relationship was more than academic. A true mentor doesn’t ‘lord’ over those they train- they empower- they communicate. What is missing today in mentors is unwillingness to take emotional equity in their pupil. They are guarded, cautious and restrained. Paul and Timothy’s relationship was open and transparent. When a mentor ‘opens up’ their heart and life to their mentee, the training flourishes.

Ernest Lee had a couple of mentors like that. They taught me the scriptures, but they also taught me about life. Because they were willing to emotionally invest in me, I reciprocated. Our relationship grew and God knitted us together. Ernest Lee also had some ‘academic’ mentors, who didn’t invest emotionally in my life. While I appreciate their influence and willingness to disciple me in the faith, my affection for them is much less.

A true mentor doesn’t just dispense information like a vending machine. They develop a kindred spirit like Paul and Timothy did (Philippians 2:20). A good mentor cultivates a true friendship with those they are mentoring.