Mentorship Part 2

There is no doubt the role mentorship plays in building a generation. The bricks of this generation were built with the cement of labor and wisdom of our forefathers. Mentorship is important to pass on the necessary skills and knowledge needed to continue the work of the kingdom. Sadly, we live in a time of two extremes. Frstly, when self-sufficiency is lauded as proof of independent success, so people don’t need people to succeed, or secondly, people become so dependent on people that it becomes occultic and manipulative.  The balance that is missing is that added need for spiritual guidance and the compass of Godly morals, values and intentions. 

Moses had found himself in this new role of leader in the wilderness and as such he began to function in his role following his own intentions, meeting with all the people, listening to issues etc. which eventually led to burn out. Jethro, his father-in-law, counseled Moses to use the people to help him with his judging tasks (Exodus 18:14-26). It doesn’t matter how mighty and powerful the man, without proper guidance, his assets can become his downfall.  Having good mentorship is key to unlocking one’s potential and walking successfully in purpose. However, in finding that balance there are signs one must look for when it comes to mentorship.

When choosing a mentor some good character traits to look for are:

1. The shepherd’s heart: This mentor has the heart of a shepherd. A shepherd tends to the needs of the sheep. It is one who labours in the fields and is driven by the motive of doing whatever is in the best interest of the herd. The shepherd though loving also has his rod that corrects, but in love (John 10:11, Proverbs 27:23).

2. Wisdom: Wisdom does not mean elderly. A mentor is one who has knowledge of the field/circumstance you need mentorship in, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the mentor has to be older. There are a lot of older folks who lack wisdom. Seek a mentor who is wise and can give wise counsel. It is not enough to have power, as power without wisdom brings destruction (Proverbs 3:13-18, Proverbs 19:20, Colossians 3:16).

3. Humility and accountability: It’s not just the mentees who should be submissive and humble but also the mentors. A mentor not submitted to anyone, or anything (like the Holy Spirit) is rogue and prone to be led by the flesh and not the Spirit. Everyone has to answer to someone in order to lead others. Your mentor should also have a mentor to sit at the feet of. David, though he was a king had to look to Saul in humility. Even when Saul turned and tried to harm him, David remembered the Lord and Saul's status and spared him. The reason so many leaders do things contrary to the word of God and the way of God is because they are leading others, and themselves - this should not be so.  If no one can address the mistakes of a leader, that is a dangerous leader to follow (Proverbs 22:4)

4. Trustworthy: A mentor should be one who can be trusted - with your secrets and your life. In seeking a mentor, one must check their trustworthiness. Remember if they are comfortable discussing someone else with you, they are likely doing the same about you with others. The sheep trust the shepherd with their meals, their care and their lives. Even if there is break away, that person's character should maintain that bond of trust. 

Sadly, with great power comes great responsibility. In entrusting someone to mentor, there is opportunity for mishandling. Run away from people who are like:

1. Pharoah: Putting your people at risk for your own vengeance and selfish gains. Pharoah put his kingdom at risk as he refused the offer of Moses to let the Israelites go. He and his people endured plagues and eventually death at the stubbornness of one leader. Don’t let this be you (see Exodus 10:24-28).

2. Saul: Saul was a people pleaser; he valued the voice of the people over the voice of God. When you notice the word of God being changed to fit what the people want to hear and actions leaning towards pleasing the crowd instead of glorifying and pleasing God, RUN. This is not the mentor you need. Follow a mentor who is following Jesus. (see 1 Samuel 15:24)

3. Jezebel: A leader who leads by brutal force and the wrong spirit. Hunting men of God and introducing idols. A  mentor who has been corrupted by other spirits (see 1 Kings 21).

4. Samuel: A great leader but one who initially could not see the potential in David because he did not look the part to be king - mentors with preconceived perceptions of who you are and who you could be. It took the oil moving for David to be chosen (see 1 Samuel 16-31, especially verse 6).

5. Satan: A liar and murderer (1 Peter 5:8, John 8:44).