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Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Why Do I Need a Mentor?

In 2 Timothy 2:2 I read, “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” (NLT)


Even superstars need coaches. The top singers in the world have voice coaches, and the top Olympic athletes have coaches. The top CEOs have business coaches. A coach will help me maximize my strengths and minimize my weaknesses.


This principle of coaching or mentorship is found throughout the Bible. Joshua was mentored by Moses. Elisha was coached by Elijah. Solomon was mentored and coached by David, and David was mentored by Samuel.


The Apostle Paul mentored and coached Timothy and many other people. Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:2, “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others” (NLT). Paul mentored Timothy, and then he expected Timothy to go and mentor faithful men who would then mentor and coach other faithful men.


God expects the same of faithful men and women today, because that’s how we grow in discipleship. I’m benefiting right now from the spiritual coaches that have mentored me over my lifetime, who helped me grow in different areas of my life.


The Bible says that God has given five different kinds of “coaches'' for his church. All of those coaches are working toward a specific purpose: “Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, so his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we'll be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him” (Ephesians 4:11-13 CEV).


The purpose that these different coaches are working towards is “so his people would learn . . . and . . . grow strong.” If I want to learn, grow, and be strong, then I too need a mentor.


A mentor is a spiritually mature friend and accountability partner who gets real with me and points out sin and weakness, while also encouraging my strengths and growth. They help me stay on the path of God’s purpose for me.


If I’m serious about making the most of my life, then I need to get a coach or mentor to help me fulfill my purpose. They don’t have to be perfect. They only have to be one step ahead of me. And, as I grow spiritually, I too can be a mentor to someone else!          


In summary, everyone including superstars need coaches. A coach will help me maximize my strengths and minimize my weaknesses. This principle of coaching or mentorship is found throughout the Bible. Joshua was mentored by Moses. Elisha was coached by Elijah. Solomon was mentored and coached by David, and David was mentored by Samuel. Paul mentored and coached Timothy and many other people. Paul mentored Timothy, and then he expected Timothy to go and mentor faithful men who would then mentor and coach other faithful men. God expects the same of faithful men and women today, because that’s how we grow in discipleship. I’m benefiting right now from the spiritual coaches that have mentored me over my lifetime, who helped me grow in different areas of my life. God has given five different kinds of “coaches'' for his church. All are working toward a specific purpose: “Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, so his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. If I want to learn, grow, and be strong, then I too need a mentor. A mentor is a spiritually mature friend and accountability partner who gets real with me and points out sin and weakness, encouraging my strengths and growth. They help me stay on the path of God’s purpose for me. If I’m serious, then I need to get a coach or mentor to help me fulfill my purpose. They only have to be one step ahead of me. And, as I grow, I too can be a mentor to someone else!

 

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