Be Mentored and Mentor Others

2 Tim. 2:2 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

As I grew up, I observed and watched closely, those people that I thought executed particular areas of their life better than most. They became my mentors (usually unbeknownst to them.)

One study on mentoring revealed that 40% of those that subjected themselves to the consistent influence of mentors achieved greater potential in their lives!

The Dictionary defines a mentor as: a) A wise and trusted counselor or teacher: to serve as a trusted counselor or teacher to (another person,) a role model: a person who serves as a model in a particular behavioral or social role for another person to emulate.

As I look back upon my life, I realize that I’ve had a great many role models that I thank God for. I have had a diversity of mentors and role models in my life – some Christian and some not, but all mentoring Biblical virtues.

If you think back, I’m sure you can remember those that have influenced you. Some of mine were family, some friends, some co-workers, and others – spiritual influences. Few were intentionally trying to mentor me. They were just doing what they did well and I was paying attention. I believe that in most cases, mentoring and being mentored is “more caught than taught.”

When I think of those whom I felt mentored by I think of these. I think of my dad. He taught and modeled the need for priorities, a great work ethic and the importance of knowing and sincerely enjoying people – and being playful. My dad was extremely playful and still is at 84 years old.

My mom modeled through her life – a life of selflessness – of truly living her life to be a blessing and serve others. She lived to serve her family and then many, many others! – She felt that if you didn’t have enough to do, there are many that need your help always! Be selfless to the masses.

My sister Susie was selfless to me. She was the older sister who was always doing things to make the life of her little brothers and sisters more special and fun. She knew how busy mom was with ten children so she helped nurture us with great gentleness, love, and kindness. She modeled how special it can be to make even one person’s life better.

My sister Sally modeled the greatest living definition of kindness that I have ever known. To this day I still think she is the kindness, sweetest, human being I know of on the planet earth.

Then there were those that were mentors and roll models from outside the family.

My first boss Ozzie was the first person that I had ever met that was so profoundly integrous and moral in his life that it openly stood out. That is a powerful thing to a fourteen year old boy. No one in my life had ever stood out with those kinds of qualities prior to that. He was a good business man with good business sense that was guided in his priorities of integrity and morality.

When I gave my life to the Lord, my desire for the things I wanted to be mentored in took a turn. I wanted to be mentored in the things God deemed important. The Apostle Paul was and purposed to be a mentor to all the Christian leaders he was raising up around the world. In mentoring his young leader Timothy he wrote the words in 2 Tim. 2:2. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” He was teaching Timothy to learn and model what Paul and shown him and in turn, teach them and pass them to others. He was basically saying “Mentor others who have shown their sincere desire to learn and have proven themselves faithful in serving and managing others.”

When I became a Christian and realized that not only did I want to learn how to imitate and represent Jesus Christ, but I wanted to influence others with His love, I began to pray a prayer. I prayed, “Lord, you have great leaders out there. You have those that love you and are truly walking according to your Word. Please bring me under the best leadership I could ever learn from.” I lifted that heartfelt fervent prayer before the Lord with great faith. I wanted to be mentored by strong godly leaders. God was faithful to answer my prayers and direct my path to be under than kind of leadership.

There was Pastor Mac who embodied and modeled more godly qualities than I had every seen in one person. His devotion to God, his honesty about all things, his strength of conviction and character, his dedication to teaching others the word of God, and the ultimate challenger and coach – impacted my life in more ways that I can say.

Then there was Pastor Lynne – one who was so deeply acquainted with God through prayer. One who truly understood prayer and how to teach others to have an intimate prayer life with the Father through Jesus Christ.

My friend Pastor Kent modeled being selfless – always striving to help other people achieve serving God with patience and instruction.

Scott modeled the pursuit of excellence, faithfulness, and diligence. He is the most faithful and diligent servant and pursuer of excellence I’ve ever known

Pastor DuWayne modeled patience, trust in God, and emotional temperament bringing calm and faith – “don’t worry, we’ll get this done and things will go great!” to every situation. He and Scott have their names listed by “someone you can count on.”

Jesus Christ is and always will be my ultimate Mentor. Jesus is the reason that I understand that mentoring is a combination of being influenced by impartation and instruction. He taught and modeled what was right for His disciples but also taught them to seek the Father for all things. He has taught me everything I know that is good including Col. 3:23 “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Be mentored and follow the ultimate mentor in all things and then as today’s manna says, “teach others.”

In His Love,

Pastor Tim Burt
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com/