When Choosing a Mentor (Spiritual Advisor) – Part One

“Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (Proverbs 9:9)

The further you go in the pursuit of your potential, the more ground you will have to break. This is where you can benefit from the experience of others. As the Chinese proverb says, ‘To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.’ In picking a mentor, look for two things:

1) Someone who possesses wisdom. The understanding, experience, and wisdom of mentors help us to solve problems we would have a hard time handling on our own. Wise people often use just a few words to help us learn and develop. They open our eyes to worlds we might not otherwise see. They help us navigate difficult situations. They enable us to see opportunities we would otherwise miss. They make us wiser than our years and experience.

2) Someone who provides friendship and support. Jesus told those He mentored, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5). The first question most followers want to know of a mentor is, ‘Do you care for me?’ The reason for this question is obvious. Who wants to be guided by a person who isn’t interested in them? Selfish people will assist you only insofar as it advances their own agenda. Good mentors provide friendship and support, unselfishly working to help you reach your potential. Knowledge without support is sterile. Advice without friendship feels cold. Candor without care is harsh. But when you are being helped by a person who cares for you, it is emotionally fulfilling. Development comes from both the head and the heart. And only caring people are glad to share both with you.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing several mentors and spiritual advisors in my life that You have used to help me be more effective for You and not fall away. In Jesus’ name, Amen.