I know…you have followers on Facebook, X, and Instagram. That’s not what I’m talking about. Let me put it another way. Who are you mentoring? Is there someone you are leading and guiding in a way that is growing them to be the godly man or woman the Lord needs?

Sometimes, the word “mentoring” puts leaders off. They think, “I don’t have time to sit down with someone every week or even every month to lead and guide them.” I understand. If you are in leadership, you are busy. Your plate is full. While regular meetings with a person whom God puts on your heart is a valuable way to mentor someone, there are other ways.

I think back to the people who mentored me. Rarely was it a formal time. Often, it was a word spoken at just the right time…a word to offer correction or instruction at a critical point. One of my mentors would often say, “Ron, have you thought that through completely?” Those words, spoken gently, helped guide me to better thinking and better decisions.

I like how leadership guru John Maxwell explains a mentor.

“A mentor is someone who teaches, guides and lifts you up by virtue of his or her experience and insight. They’re usually someone a little farther ahead of you on the path—though that doesn’t always mean they’re older! A mentor is someone with a head full of experience and a heart full of generosity that brings those things together in your life.”

If you don’t have a mentor, seek one out. Is there a person in your area of leadership who is successful and has the same heart as you? Connect with them. Meet with them. Learn from them. Most will be honored to help you grow.

And if you aren’t actively mentoring someone, look for someone whom you can help develop using simple words of wisdom that the Lord has given you through your experiences and your life.

We are familiar with the words of Solomon:

As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

That’s mentoring. Paul did it with his young friend Timothy. He instructed his protégé to follow in his footsteps and pass on what he had learned from Paul.

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

2 Timothy 2:2 NLT

We often think of mentoring in the leadership realm. It is clear from God’s Word that we need spiritual mentors to shape us into the man or woman the Lord intends us to be. The writer of Hebrews gave this instruction:

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

Hebrews 13:7 NLT

So, who is following you? Who are you actively guiding? God will honor both of you for the valuable time you spend pouring the Lord’s wisdom into their lives.

God’s best,