Mentor Me

Have you ever had a coach before? Maybe you played on a soccer team when you were younger. Maybe you had a dance teacher or drama coach. Maybe you have a coach right now. Consider this question. Do you have a coach for your walk with Christ? I know what you’re thinking. There aren’t coaches for that kind of thing. Well, read on, and you might just be surprised.

We should have many people in our lives that encourage us as we walk with Christ. Among these might be parents, friends, youth ministers and teachers. But do you have a coach who is willing to help you one-on-one, just you and her? This kind of person is often referred to as a mentor. A mentor is someone who teaches you how to become a more fully devoted follower of Christ. There are many examples of mentor relationships in the Bible. There was Naomi and Ruth. Elijah and Elisha. And the most famous – Paul and Timothy.

What are characteristics of a mentor?

When you are looking for someone to be your mentor there are a few things to keep in mind. You should look for a female who is older and wiser than you. She should be a devoted follower of Christ who is willing to invest in your life. Titus 2:4 says, “These older women must train the younger women to live…” She must be willing to disciple you and pray with you. This should be someone you see on a regular basis. Can you think of a woman who fits into this category? If so, pray about asking her to begin a mentoring relationship with you.

What would we do?

Just like any other coach, this coach would teach you the things she has learned. She would teach you how to avoid mistakes she made and follow successes she had. She would pray for you. You may want to consider going through a Bible study together. Another option would be memorizing passages of Scripture together. You could also choose to serve in a ministry capacity side by side. The great thing about having a mentor is that you learn from watching her life. You don’t have go through a study to learn from her. You can simply learn from the way she speaks, shares, prays and serves. Having a mentor is like having a life coach.

How can I find a mentor?

As you were reading this, someone may have popped into your mind that you think would be willing to mentor you. On the other hand, maybe you can’t think of anyone who fits the characteristics of a mentor. First of all, don’t be discouraged. Pray that God would bring you a mentor. Keep praying this prayer and watch to see how He answers. Be open to whom He brings. It may be someone that goes to your church, a friend of your family, or a college girl in your area. Quite possibly it could be someone who is elderly and alone. There may be an elderly woman who doesn’t get out much that would love to have a visit from a young girl every now and then. You would be amazed at the things you could learn from this woman. Whoever your mentor, pray that God would use you to bless this woman just as much as she is blessing and serving you.

Me, a mentor?

To someone out there YOU are the older, cooler one. You are the hip chick that someone is watching. It may be your baby sister, or the younger kids at your church. They not only watch the way you dress and style your hair, they watch the way you treat your friends and authorities. They listen to how you talk. Do you point the younger ones to Christ? When you baby-sit, do you set a positive Christian example? At home, do you serve and teach your brothers and sisters? What kind of legacy are you leaving?
Written by: Whitney Prosperi; copyright virtuousreality.com