Pay it forward. It’s a simple concept. Instead of paying someone back for the kindness or investment they put in you, you pay forward by blessing and sowing into the success of someone else. As a marketplace minister, you can do this through mentoring. Mentoring is a critical tool for professional development. A lack of female mentors in the marketplace results in fewer women being prepared for leadership. This month we will explore several mentoring relationships from the Bible that can provide great examples on how to become a great mentor to our youth, or to be able to offer effective wisdom and guidance to someone in your ministry or profession.Some characteristics of effective mentors include:They are good listeners – they also know how to ask the tough questions that lead the protégé to finding their own answersThey are authentic – perfection is not a requirement and transparency is a mustThey are obedient – the truth needs to be toldThey are available – faithfulness builds trustThey are teachers – every moment can be used to teach a lessonThey know how to encourage and develop godliness in others – everyone needs to be stretched beyond their comfort zone
Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.” We should all take time to build a trusted network of wise advisors, coaches and faithful friends who are willing to invest in our success, goals and future. It’s pertinent to your personal and professional success to hang around visionaries and those who make you a better person. As a healthcare administrator, I have seen medical students understand this concept very well. They seek mentorship from attending physicians and faculty for guidance on research projects, feedback on training rotations and advice on career altering job decisions. These students know the value of receiving guidance from well-respected, experienced colleagues. There is more than enough success to go around so never be afraid of opportunities to mentor another or be hesitant of a situation where you can be on the receiving end of a mentorship.Naomi and Ruth:Preparing for destiny - Ruth dedicated herself to caring for Naomi and serving Naomi’s God in her homeland. During Ruth’s time with Naomi, Ruth learned about God’s provision, redemption and faithfulness to those that believe and serve Him. Naomi was able to encourage and develop godly qualities in Ruth which helped her to become an honorable and hard working woman. These qualities allowed God’s favor to shine on Ruth in incredible ways and led Ruth to her future husband, the “family redeemer”. The wisdom Naomi shared with Ruth in response to God’s goodness to them prepared Ruth for promotion as she was destined to become Boaz’s wife and part of the family line of Christ.Moses and Joshua:Preparing for leadership – This mentorship was unique in that it was a long standing apprenticeship. Joshua was chosen as Moses assistant and commander of the Israelites’ army. He walked with Moses the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert. Joshua witnessed the miracles first hand and he was allowed to see the close interactions between Moses and God (Exodus 24:13-24). Joshua was prepared for servant leadership through on the job training! He was well-equipped and well prepared by His mentor to carry the Israelites into the promise land. That is what true leadership is about. Investing in others and preparing them for their time to shine.
Elijah and Elisha:Preparing for increase – Elisha was granted a double portion of the anointing that rested on Elijah. He walked beside Elijah as an apprentice following his example of faith and righteousness. Elisha understood his calling from the Lord and had resolute determination to stay by the side of Elijah and to remain committed to his mentor to the very end. Elisha’s ministry was characterized by God’s miracles, signs and wonders; an increase from this mentor’s works. Surely this was due to Elisha watching Elijah passionately pursue God’s concerns for Israel and Elisha’s desire to love God wholeheartedly as Elijah did.Elizabeth and Mary – Preparing for a great walk of faith - Elizabeth was Mary’s older cousin, but she no doubt was available to Mary as a trusted advisor and wise woman. Elizabeth fulfilled her role as mentor and guide by speaking life and words of encouragement to Mary. Elizabeth filled Mary with words to confirm God’s calling on her life and in turn Mary was empowered and full of praise to walk out in faith everything the Lord called her to do. I am sure Mary was exhausted and confused upon arriving at her cousin’s house after all she had just been through. But surely this wise woman, Elizabeth, knew how to speak a word in due season to refresh Mary’s soul. Mary stayed with Elizabeth and her family for 3 more months allowing Elizabeth to give her guidance on the ministry of becoming a wife and a mother. This retreat with her mentor paved the way for Mary’s great walk of faith.
Servant leaders see leadership as an act of service and consider it to be an honor to be used by God for leadership. Effective mentors look beyond their current season of leadership to prepare and train their replacement to carry on the work God began in them. Find your next generation leader now and empower and train them for their season to lead. Beware of thinking that you own your position. That will prevent you from “succession planning”. If you are driven and involved in promoting yourself, you will spend little time developing and encouraging other leaders around you. Pass on wisdom, instructions, resources, team members and assistants. Pay it forward!Resources For Your Journey To Kingdom Purpose:Reflection1. Read the book of Ruth. Who might benefit from your mentoring? Pray and ask God who He would like for you to mentor. Be determined to leave people better than you found them.Put Action To Your Faith:
Valisha - You know I love this...this is what "Jewels N AbunDance Outreach is all about...us sistahs educating, empowering, and encouraging one another. We have so much to offer one another and the enemy of our soul knows this...this is why he tries to keep us from supporting and lifting one another up....with such crafty devices as cattiness, jealous and envyiness, gossip and the like....he is a liar. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Sistahs will come together in the spirit of love and in unity. A-W-E-S-O-M-E! Word! You all can come to jewels and share an encouraging word if you like at: www.jewelsnabundanceoutreach.ning.com.
Blessings AbunDantly - Denise
Good points, ladies! I am so filled with joy when I know because of my obedience to write and share what God directs, others can be empowered and refreshed.
Marsha, you are right. I think as a whole women are many times very cautious of one another and hesitant to mentor or be mentored by one another. If we are not careful, we can allow competition and cattiness to take over instead of making sure we all make progress.
Ruth could have easily left Naomi behind and went on about her own business, but she was determined to see Naomi fare well in her future and for that God directed her to walk right into her blessings.
Favor has been released into your future! Move forward and pay it forward!
Vee, Wow! Awesome word that caused me to really examine where I am in the mentoring process of another. It is always good to see potential in others and help to affirm that potential. You never know just how much another my need your encouragement and special attention to reach their goal or better yet DESTINY. Thank GOD for the many examples you referenced. I will be sure to go back and re-read all of them.
Comments
Blessings AbunDantly - Denise
Marsha, you are right. I think as a whole women are many times very cautious of one another and hesitant to mentor or be mentored by one another. If we are not careful, we can allow competition and cattiness to take over instead of making sure we all make progress.
Ruth could have easily left Naomi behind and went on about her own business, but she was determined to see Naomi fare well in her future and for that God directed her to walk right into her blessings.
Favor has been released into your future! Move forward and pay it forward!
Vee
Thank you again!