Finding a Mentor
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
Did you know that we weren’t meant to go through life alone? All throughout the Bible, God talks of His people as a family and calls His followers to be good friends, mentors, and guides to one another.
One of the best ways to navigate the challenges of life is by finding a mentor. How do you find a mentor exactly? Sometimes mentors show up in our lives through places like camp or youth group, but other times we have to seek them out. While it’s different for every person’s situation, there are a few guideposts in Hebrews 13:7 that could help us find a great mentor.
The verse reminds us to remember those people in our lives who have loved us and “spoke[n] the word of God to [us].” These people love God, and it’s obvious! They’re the kind of people who you talk with and somehow the conversation always comes back to Christ and His goodness. They’re the people whose faith is not just a part time activity, but who really want to love and honor God in all they say, think, and do.
Next the verse tells us to “consider the outcome of their way of life.” Is this person able to weather the storms of life by staying rooted in Christ? A mentor doesn’t have to be perfect or have it all together; instead see if you see the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) in their life. Do they love people well? Are they kind? Do they do things with integrity? If they do, they might be worth learning from.
And lastly, Paul calls us to “imitate their faith.” This is where, once we’ve seen someone whose faith and way of life we admire, we have to be brave and ask for their wisdom, friendship, and guidance. Most mentors I’ve had, I’ve had to pursue. I’ve seen older women in my church whose relationship with God I admire, and I’ve asked them to meet. Sometimes it’s a one time coffee date to talk through a particular situation in my life; other times, it’s a weekly or biweekly date to read through the Bible, pray, and share about what’s going on.
However it happens, the goal is clear: by learning from this person, I’m hoping to become more like Christ. I’m learning from them how to grow my faith, love my family, and navigate life in this world.
A mentor can be such a gift, and if it’s something you long for, know I am praying that God would place people in your path who will love you and guide you closer to Him. It can take time to find the right person, but allowing someone into your life can be the greatest gift!