The great Revivalist John Wesley had a General Rules for Methodist Fellowships that was released in 1743 and in it he stated, 'Watch over one another in love'. That was the key to his success in retaining those who were converted through one of the world’s greatest spiritual revivals. That key is called discipleship. The point is, that we are our brother’s keeper in some respect and the revived Christians of Wesley’s day understood that and had an innate understanding that they needed to care for one another, as did the early Christians of the New Testament. So basically what mentoring really is, is simply watching over one another because we love each other as Christ loves us. Most people seek out mentors to help them develop in some area of their life, that they feel need an extra hand in reaching the goals they have set for themselves, to maximize the grace of God in their lives. It requires a unique amount of trust on both the person who will mentor or disciple and the one who is being mentored or discipled. Finding the right person may take a few tries, but is well worth the effort once you do.
Mentoring or discipleship is taking place all around us and at all levels of industry, education, commerce and public life. Parents mentor their children. The journeyman mentors the apprentice and Coaches mentor their teams. Those who take their Christian discipleship and service seriously are seeing the value of having a mentor as a friend and adviser with whom they can share openly and to whom they can be accountable to. As the scripture instructs us, “Two are better than one” in Eccl. 4:9. Mentoring is a very significant role every Christian disciple can fulfill, irrespective of age or experience. It is not restricted to people who are giants in their faith, but as God’s Word tells us that all who are in Christ are to be disciples going into the world and declaring the gospel to all nations. That scripture does not stop at sharing salvation in Christ alone. It means to make disciples of Christ and that takes a little bit of time to do. The basic requirement of discipleship or being a Spiritual mentor is having a living, growing relationship with God and an ability to listen and respond sensitively, and to encourage. If this is true of you, you can be God’s agent in enriching another person’s life. All you need is to be available.
Women are natural mentors, because they usually find it easy to talk about deep issues with their friends. Even busy people can mentor if they make the choice to reach out and be a listening ear and be willing to provide a kind word of encouragement when needed. Folks that are housebound because of young families or a physical disability can mentor effectively by means of their phones, email or by inviting others to visit them, or simply send cards. Seniors who mentor often times find it very fulfilling as they are growing into their mature years and allows them to grow older as participants rather than spectators only! The bottom line is that we are all needy people and need someone to love on us.
I became a Christian in 1978 and started teaching a Youth Bible Study within 2 months after I was saved. I was so hungry for the Word of God in my life that I consumed it as much as I could. I enrolled in Bible College and soaked up as much as I could learn from my teachers/professors. I found within the pages of God’s Word the answers that I had been searching for all my life and felt a compulsion to share it with others and still do today. Throughout my adult life I have been blessed to have had contact with some great Christian influences that have helped disciple me along my way. I also have been allowed the great privilege of discipling a few folks myself and can personally testify to the life changing effects that good discipleship can have on someone’s life and walk in Christ. In thinking of you today sweet friend, I ask you this question, “Who’s life are you personally effecting today for Christ?”.
Maybe today, you need someone to affect your life for Christ. Either way, there must be discipling going on in you and around you if you are to be effective in your spiritual walk. Someone, needs you to take the time out of your busy schedule and show them how important they are to you and Jesus. Maybe you need to seek out a friend that will come along side you and help you grow and maximize the grace of God in your life. Do it today, don’t put it off! Make a difference!
Loving on you today,
Bren
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