I am convinced that I have been blessed with the best mentors of today. I have observed these men and women in trial, pain, victory, and am refreshed when they come to my mind.
Upon reflection of their lives I see a consistent thread of traits that each of them possess. As a young pastor, I pray that their godly examples would be instilled in me as I continue to serve the Lord and others.
Here are five of the many characteristics that I see in each of my mentors.
Total Surrender to the Lord
The mentors who have changed my life are men and women who have a total surrender unto the Lord. How can someone be totally surrendered to the Lord? Good question! What I mean by this is that there is nothing consciously hidden from the Lord in their lives.
I appreciate that! As God prunes, sanctifies, and reveals sin in their lives, my mentors are quick to bring them to the Lord and ask for forgiveness and the wisdom to walk in repentance.
Honesty in Failures
Even in their failures, my mentors are faithful to use their downfalls as honest teaching points and times of discipleship. I appreciate their “open door policy” with their lives. Because they have embraced the grace of God that covers all their sin and shame, they have continually given me access into the deepest parts of their heart.
When I engage with my honest mentors, I am confident that they don’t hide anything. Convicting, right? As a person in authority I am tempted to pretend that I’m perfect so that I can maintain my “godly reputation.” My mentors’ honesty teaches me that the best leaders are those who have no dark places that entertain ungodliness.
Disciplined Prayer
It makes sense that the most influential people in my life have disciplined times of prayer. Some of the best times in our relationships have been in the presence of God through prayer. I love listening to their words of adoration, thankfulness, supplication, and confession in prayer.
I love that by faith they speak honestly and openly to the Lord in full confidence that He hears them. I pray for the discipline and faith like that!
Intentional Encouragement
My mentors take time out of their day to encourage the people around them. I believe through their times of disciplined prayer; God speaks to them exactly what I and the people around them need to hear.
When they speak encouragement from God’s word to my life, their compassion and wisdom are extensions of Jesus.
Willing to Take Chances
My friends are not afraid to live by faith. My mentors are those who dream big and attempt huge things for the cause of Christ. Unlike many, they don’t stop taking chances. They walk in daily faith, and encourage others to trust God with the big and little things of life.
My mentors understand that they will never graduate from the life and school of faith. Their faith and willingness to take chances for the kingdom of God has touched more lives that I can count.
How Can I be like them?
Friend, we must start today. Take every opportunity as a God opportunity to shape us into the people He desires us to be. Don’t give up; God is faithful to work in us these characteristics as we submit ourselves to Him.
Start praying for those God would have you to mentor and disciple. Remember, everything can be an opportunity to mentor someone. Be ready, God is.
Aaron serves in Murrieta, CA and is a pastor at Calvary Chapel Vista
Aaron Sabio’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/aaron-sabio.html