Should I have a MENTOR? Or be one? Part 3

Take a moment to think of someone who has positively impacted your life.

Is it a Teacher, a parent, a Leader, a Pastor, or even a friend?

In our Christian walk, God places us with people He knows will sharpen and stretch and help us in our faith. And vice versa.

Proverbs 27:17 says; "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." We need each other. We need accountability. This allows us the opportunity to grow and become all that God is calling us to be in Him.

What is God calling you to do this year? What if it took having certain people around you that are needed to draw out all that potential within you, to be able to accomplish what God has for you for this year?

This year there’s a measure of spiritual growth in Christ for us to attain. Think about that for a moment. There are specific plans and assignments our heavenly Father has designed for us to accomplish this year. Yet it is up to us to follow through and to take the steps necessary to focus on our relationship with our Father through Jesus Christ and to cultivate fellowship with others. As a result, the Holy Spirit will grow and mold us through our relationship with HIM and with others. (see Ephesians 4:11-13)

This is why it is essential to be plugged into a local church family.

The Church is a great place to connect. God has placed Pastors and Teachers and the fivefold Ministry to edify the body.

Take any opportunity to connect through small groups, discipleship classes, or any other ministry. This helps you deepen your relationship with Christ and with one another.

In these relationships, you will be continuously discipled and mentored.

I'm so thankful for and honor my Leaders and Pastor's that pour into me unconditionally.

I'm thankful for the different women of God who have made a deep impact in my life in the past and now.

Having a mentor allows us to grow and be in the continual development of our character and our spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit will use this relationship to stretch us and take us from glory to glory.

Get out of your comfort zone this year.

Ask someone who's been where you want to go- for help.

Find someone who has modeled well and has gone before you.

Who has accomplishments in an area you would like to learn or grow in?

This can be anyone younger or older than you.

Remember; to accomplish all that God is calling us to - we need each other.

There are godly experiences and maturity levels in the Lord- in others, that have produced wisdom and discernment which can help guide and even catapult us to our next in the Lord.

I remember as a teen, I would attend church on my own. Between the ages of 15-19, there were a couple of ladies, and a couple, who took me under their wing and became intentional mentors that took the time to disciple me. They became family. Day in and day out they modeled what true Christianity looks like. Many moments were tough and full of confrontation and accountability, but it was all worth it and needed. As I was being molded and formed in Christ.

What about being a mentor to someone?

In Titus 2:3-5 The Apostle Paul encouraged the older women to mentor the younger women and to teach them what is good, how to love, and in purity... This applies to everyone.

Let's be examples. You never know who's watching. Be ready. You never know God's plans to set you up with someone for a season to uplift, lead, to show what true Christianity looks like.

Let's be willing. Many times we aren't willing to be that mentor or friend to someone because we think we don't have the time or enough experience. Or we're just being selfish.

There are many people who long for someone to guide and teach them. They are just not saying it.

Get out of your comfort zone; be ready and available to be that mentor someone else needs.

Being a mentor keeps us on guard. It's a constant reminder of our necessity of Christ. Without Him, we can do nothing. (See John 15:5). The Apostle Paul said; Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 11:1).

Being a mentor allows us to be used by God in ways unexpected.

It stretches our faith, and self-discipline, and develops our character -as a result of the fruit of the Spirit growing and maturing in us.

Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and consider praying that the Lord opens doors to be someone's mentor.

You never know if someone has been praying for a mentor, and you are an answer to their prayer.

Your friend in Christ,

Ruthy Villanueva