“What does it mean to be a mentor?” 
I asked myself this question as I read Proverbs 22:17,18 today. This verse talks about listening to the “words of the wise.” We all have people in our lives who are important to us, people we respect and admire. These people have a profound impact on our lives. They are the people who challenge us to grow when we become complacent. They are also the ones who give us comfort when life is difficult.
I had a mentor in my life who asked me if I had forgotten that Jesus died for me. You see it had been an especially difficult day and I was not in a pleasant mood. His question prompted me to think, really think about this Gospel, this good news. I am bought and paid for, I have a hope and a Savior who, dispite what happens today, loves me more than I could ever imagine. Though the day was not instantly transformed into a day at the beach, my perspective changed. I was able to see the bigger picture and I found hope in those “wise words.”
What does it take to be a mentor? I propose it takes three things.
* A listening heart.
* The courage to say what needs to be said, just as my mentor encouraged me to look to Christ for comfort.
* Finally, I believe a good grasp of scripture is an invaluable gift in mentoring. As it says in Proverbs 22:18, “it will be pleasant if you keep (the scriptures) within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.” What a blessing to be able share the right words with someone who needs them!
Who are your mentors?
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Some of my best work experiences have happened because I had a good mentor.