How Important Is a Spiritual Mentor?

In the business world, you may already be quite familiar with the word upline, which can be understood as a superior or a mentor. An upline will help you get to know the product being marketed in detail. In addition, an upline will also direct, motivate, help, and encourage you, so that you succeed in running that business. 

People who want to succeed in business may experience difficulty succeeding on their own without support from an upline or mentor. In fact, it is often said that a person’s success is greatly influenced by the role of their mentor. 

The same is true in spiritual matters. We also need a spiritual mentor. It cannot be denied that their role is very important in our lives. We may also find it difficult to grow in character, good habits, and the fruit of the Spirit without the help of a spiritual mentor. 

The Role of a Spiritual Mentor

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. In this way, they can do it with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no benefit to you. – Ibrani 13:17

Based on the verse above, there are several roles of a spiritual mentor: 

1. Guarding Our Spiritual Salvation

It must be admitted that even though we are people of faith, we do not always have spiritual thoughts and make wisedecisions. Often we stray from God’s path because of emotion, short and narrow thinking, or by following our feelings that are not in line with God’s will. Whether we realize it or not, we can drift away from the salvation God has already given us. 

Now, a spiritual mentor will keep watch over our souls. This means they will ensure that our relationship with God continues to grow, not decline. They will monitor our spiritual development and remind us when we take the wrong path. In addition, they will also support and encourage us when we are weak, discouraged, and doubtful of God’s promises. The goal is that we remain faithful, fervent, and growing in the Lord.

2. Being Accountable for Our Lives

When we begin to be influenced by things that are negative or not in accordance with God’s word, a spiritual mentor will strive to bring us back to the right path. Why? Because they are the ones who will be accountable for our lives. God will also require that accountability from them. 

Therefore, a mentor will usually invite you to pray and have quiet time together, make sure to (follow up) on your quiet time, and even accompany you through difficult times. You do not struggle and face spiritual battles alone. They will be responsible for making sure of your spiritual well-being. 

3. Spiritual Mentors = Examples of Our Faith

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. – Ibrani 13:7 

There may be times when you find it difficult to put into practice some of God’s commands that seem too hard to carry out. But by seeing the example of life and faith from a spiritual mentor, our faith is strengthened. Their lives, how they persevere and remain faithful in difficult times, become an inspiration for us, so that we too are strengthened. 

A spiritual mentor is also a partner for spiritual growth. Someone you can look up to, who is willing to strive together to become more like Christ. 

4. Nurturing, Teaching, and Walking with You

But we were gentle among you, just as a mother nurses and cares for her own child. So, in our great affection for you, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. – 1 Tesalonika 2:7-8 

That verse describes how Paul loved and guided the church in Thessalonica. There are several roles carried out by a mentor according to this verse. He nurtures and cares for them like a mother does her child (caring). 

However, not only loving. A spiritual mentor also teaches the word of God, and shares life with them. Which means, he will also walk together with those he mentors. Sharing joy and sorrow.

Our Attitude toward Spiritual Mentors

It cannot be denied that the role of a spiritual mentor is very important. If you do not have one yet, this is the time to start considering having a spiritual mentor. But if you already have a mentor, be a good person to mentor. Your mentor holds a role that is not easy, namely keeping watch over your soul. 

Mentoring is an activity that requires cooperation from both parties. If one party refuses to cooperate, mentoring that is in accordance with God’s design will not bear fruit, in other words, it will not be effective. For example, the mentor does not carry out their role. Or the one being mentored refuses to be guided and chooses to harden their heart. 

Therefore, as one being mentored, you also need to have humility to be willing to be guided. Be open so that your mentor can enter your life and help you.

Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders.” Which means, we need to obey them, as long as what they say is in accordance with God’s word. This does not mean we may not have a different opinion. If there is a difference, express it well and discuss it until an agreement is reached. 

It is not by coincidence that they were chosen to be your mentor. Believe that God has given them to sharpen us. As it is written in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” Be thankful for the presence of a mentor. Honor and appreciate them as God’s extended hand on earth.

Have you felt that your spirituality has not been growing? Still staying at the same level from time to time? Often going up and down, with no goals, direction, or purpose that you want to reach? Want to change, but do not know how?

Perhaps now is the time for you to have a spiritual mentor. Someone mature in faith, with vision and mission in the Lord, who is ready to support you. If you need a spiritual mentor and you are ready to be mentored, you can contact us through the contact below.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are already doing. –  1 Tesalonika 5:11 -  Related Articles:

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