God's Heart for Mentoring

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1-3Close2 Timothy 2:1-3 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 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. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NIV)

God’s heart for mentoring is motivated by love: love for God and love for people to grow in grace and love for God. I have been blessed by multiple mentors over the years. Men loved me where I was, but loved me too much to allow me to remain where I was in my relationship with Christ, my wife, children, family, and friends. Because these men intentionally invested in me — I seek to prayerfully invest time, energy, and money in other men. I am an imperfect person helping other imperfect people grow in the perfect love of Jesus. God has a heart for mentoring.

Paul affectionally refers to Timothy as his son in the faith. The older saw potential in the younger. Timothy’s humility made him teachable and a worthy candidate to grow stronger in the grace of Christ Jesus. Paul boldly challenged Timothy in the presence of others to select qualified men who would also teach other men. Like training a good soldier — effective mentoring requires discipline, sacrifice, and suffering. Since life change necessitates life engagement, mentors do life with those who want a better life. Invest in reliable people — who will invest in reliable people.

“Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain — and appoint them as officials...” (Exodus 18:20-21CloseExodus 18:20-21 Teach them God's decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NIV)

If you wait to mentor until you feel perfectly qualified, you will never mentor. Those who influence the most feel the least qualified. They are vulnerable with their own struggles, sins, and shortcomings. The younger can relate to the older who are real about their insecurities, fears, and failures. Like Paul, you invite sincere seekers to join you in your journey with Jesus through life. The great adventure of faith is not without tests and trials. But together — young and old — you persevere together. Start with one who wants to grow — then expand into a small community.

Radical Mentoring is a proven process for you to follow. I have used this for years and it works beautifully. By invitation only, you invite six to eight hungry hearts into your home once a month for a year. You read books, memorize scripture, and experience two overnight retreats together. Use whatever system works for you. You may say, “Where do I start?” Begin in prayer. Ask the Lord to lead you to people who have a passion to grow in their faith, character, and relationships. Most of all, lean into the Holy Spirit to teach your mind and heart. Mentors are loved by God.

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” (Psalms 143:8ClosePsalms 143:8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,  for I am trusting you.Show me where to walk,  for I give myself to you. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me to love and mentor others in a way that grows them in Your love.

Application: Who can I ask to join me for a yearlong journey together in a radical mentoring group?

Related Readings: Psalm 119:12; Acts 6:3CloseActs 6:3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; 1 Corinthians 4:15-17Close1 Corinthians 4:15-17 For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I urge you to imitate me. That's why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; 2 Thessalonians 3:9Close2 Thessalonians 3:9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; Hebrews 6:12CloseHebrews 6:12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) , Hebrews 13:7CloseHebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

Copyright 2016 Boyd Bailey. Used by permission from Boyd Bailey at wisdomhunters.com.