The christian life is a life of continuous learning and becoming a mature person in faith. This continuous learning depends on several key players in our life. Just us a seed depends on several factors before it becomes a fully grown and matured plant that's capable of bearing fruits, so is maturity in Christ.
We live in a world where life is interdependent. "Everybody needs Somebody". One cannot rise to the place of success by his own strength and intellectual capacity. Along the way he or she may need guidance and mentorship from people who have gone ahead of them in life. This calls for the need of mentorship and discipleship; an important subject that aids growth and maturity.
The reason why many cooperations, churches, firms, businesses and institutions collapse when their founders are no more is as a result of lack on continuity resulting from lack of mentees and disciples to carry on the unfinished work.
One may ask, is mentorship and discipleship important at all? Is it needed in today's information world? I will say yes, because it is more costly not having one. A man without a mentor is like a ship without a sailor, he lacks a sense of direction and discipline. Mentorship and discipleship can save you from lifetime decision that may lead you to a life time regrets.
As a child of destiny and followers of Christ, the earlier we understand that growth is our calling, the better our lives become. And as we grow in the faith it is important to share our experiences and also empower others to do same.
Mentorship and discipleship are essential components of this journey, providing a lifelong guidance, support and accountability. This help believers to excel all-round, develop skills like leadership and extend God's Kingdom in every field of life.
Mentorship is a life guided relationship where an experience individual invest resources like time, wisdom and support the less experienced individuals in their personal, professional, academics, and spiritual growth. Discipleship unlike Mentorship is an intentional process of teaching, guiding and equipping individuals to become devoted followers of Christ, a reflection of his teachings and examples.
Proverbs 27:17 NIV
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Every Joshua needs a Moses who will teach him how to lead, and be courageous in this life( Exodus 17:8-13 & 24:13). To become an Elisha or a Timothy in your generation, you will equally need radical mentors like Elijah and Paul who will be able to stand against evil practice, persecutions and things that can destroy your faith. 'You must follow who know road in this life'
In this world, to be able to rise to the zenith of life, you will need someone who has foreknowledge and wisdom to be able to progress.
Speed without direction can lead to accident. Don't think you know it all, humble yourself to be mentored by others.
The power of mentorship and discipleship.
Are you wondering the number of mentors you can possibly have in your life time? Well, since the child of God must experience all-round growth in every aspect of life. It is very expedient to have mentors to guide you in your relationship, marriage, finances, academics, businesses, Spiritual life. One mentor may not necessarily have knowledge about all the aspects of life.. but in some cases some may.
Our life is as better as the information we receive. So you must seek to be mentored in every aspect of your life.
Mentorship and discipleship has the power to help in;
- Our spiritual growth: Do you want to deepen your relationship and understanding about Christ, and develop Christ-like character? I recommend mentorship to you. The beginning of growth and maturity is to know we are ignorant and accept to be mentored and disciple by someone. Timothy Kelle once said, "mentorship is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, allowing us to learn from others experience, wisdom and faith". Mentors have the ability to unlock your spiritual gifts, develop your leadership skills, and discern God's will for your life. A mentor's investment can yield eternal dividends, shaping your character, faith and legacy.
Spiritual growth is accelerated when we surround ourselves with people who inspires, encourages, discipline and challenges us to grow and become a better version of ourselves.
Paul helped to bring the best out of Timothy. Jesus on the other hand put himself in his disciples and they went about doing good. While many assert that experience is the best teacher, mentorship stands as the supreme educator. Though experience can provide valuable lessons, mentorship serves as the guiding light that navigates you through life's challenges, shielding you from detrimental experiences that can derail your purpose and potentially destroy your life. It protects you from avoidable mistakes.
2. Personal Development: Aside spiritual growth, mentorship and discipleship challenges you to be the best version of yourself in order to give out the best. It enhances leadership skills, building confidence and clarity in life. Mentorship helps you to to identify your strengths, weaknesses, be accountable for your actions and areas in your life that requires development. Having a mentor helps you to develop a growth mindset. A mindset that is obsess for growth, excellence and adding value to oneself which prepares one for new opportunities in life. For a long lasting success, seek mentorship.
3. Legacy Impact: As said earlier, "The reason why many cooperations, churches, firms, businesses and institutions collapse when their founders are no more is as a result of lack on continuity resulting from lack of mentees and disciples to carry on the unfinished work". Jesus ministered for 3 years at the last part of his life. But about 2000 years later his impact still lives with tangible evidences beyond doubts. How did this happened? He called people to himself, disciple them and asked them to go and make disciples of all nations. Mentorship and discipleship multiplies influence extending beyond a lifetime.
Mentorship is one of the misunderstood concept in the faith due to how people have abused their mentees and how some mentees have dishonoured their mentors, but we must understand that to make a lifetime impact we must seek out mentors and discipleship leaders, be opened, receptive, teachable and so humble to learn and apply the knowledge and wisdom received.
That's how we grow!
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