Mentors make a difference
By Clay Landen Harris
King Solomon tells us in Proverbs 27:17 that “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” we see another king – Odysseus – choose a man he trusts named Mentor to be in charge of his estate while he leaves to fight in the Trojan War, and far more importantly, he trusts Mentor to be in charge of protecting, guiding and advising his son, Telemachus. This is the etymology of the noun “mentor” taken from the Greek lexicon.
By Clay Landen Harris
Mentorships have two-way transformative power initially and later, world transforming power. In every era, mentorships have been a most significant key in developing both the person and the people; to acquire and utilize facts correctly, to contribute meaningfully toward the lives of others, to use one’s talents best to glorify our Creator. Teacher and student, guide and seeker, coach and ballplayer, Jedi and Padawn – mentorships have always been a bridge between potential and fulfillment.
For the one being mentored, the benefits are both obviously practical and subliminally personal. A mentor provides more than just sound advice – they serve as a beacon of encouragement, perception, accountability, intuition and courage.
In addition to instilling in the mentee admirable qualities, a mentor also serves to remove negative traits. Bruce Bochy said, “If you’re not prepared, it’s not pressure you feel; it’s fear.”
Mentees gain access to more opportunities, networks, data and resources. They develop persistence, a veteran’s view, and professional poise from observation, as well as practice and action. Common life traps and emotional pitfalls can now be recognized and avoided merely because of the sharing of a true anecdote.
On a spiritual level, mentees gain a role model who helps to tutor integrity, grow resilience – an ally in studying the Word. The act of being guided by another naturally ingrains a productive humility and an everlasting gratitude. The mentee gains the ability to see themselves not only as who they authentically are now, but also who they want to be and can become.
There is great good to be found in sharing your treasures, but there is a greater good found in assisting someone with discovering their own. Though the polishing of the mentee is most commonly highlighted in mentorships, the mentor is granted a bond that is equally rewarding. In Hebrews 10:24, the author states, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” To transfer the common sense and the secret codes one has gleaned over the decades reinforces one’s own faith and understanding, while renewing purpose. Mentors allow their experiences, from the victories to the defeats, to progress others toward virtues that are not temporal, but eternal. Mentorships keep the mentor sharp, relevant and connected. They gain fresh perspectives and unique ideas from the mentee’s questions and challenges. Often, through this, a mentor may be humbled and inspired, as they are reminded of their mentors now passed who once helped shape their own journeys.
Beyond the personal elements, mentorships ripple throughout families, businesses, churches, countries, and every single aspect of society. They link generations, fortify values, foster a culture of appreciation, and help in overcoming adversity. On the surface, this translates into stronger teams and better innovation. But spiritually, it promotes wise obedience, compassion, selflessness and a shared truth.
In Second Timothy 2:2, Paul writes to his mentee, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Here Paul emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge. This is a sentiment echoed by Yoda in his final words to Luke Skywalker, when he says, “Pass on what you have learned.”
Mentorships are experiences of reciprocity. The mentor gives wisdom and support, while the mentee offers fresh insight and a benevolent legacy. Both leave the relationship changed, enriched with heightened self-awareness, people-awareness and God-awareness.
One of my mentors, Dr. Nathan Burrow said, “Mentorship is one of the ways that we are able to support each other in being lifelong disciples. The older have a responsibility to share what they have learned with those who are younger. This teaching and sharing relationship bears a mutual blessing for both mentor and mentee. Together they share in the work of the Spirit as God creates and grows faith in Jesus in each disciple. Discipleship and mentorship in Christ reinforces the gift of community that is the love of God given and received through relationship to Jesus.”
Mentorships are “double-portion” gifts that bless both lives at the beginning, but then go on to bless the Earth and the Kingdom. They cultivate growth, empathy, patience, direction, hope and thankfulness in both the elder and the younger. In an age where many feel isolated and uncertain, they are a reminder that we are never meant to walk alone.
