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At Mentoring Warriors, we highly value the Bible. It is a primary way we hear God speak. In Hebrews 4:12, it tells us that God’s Word is “living and active”. The idea behind this is that God still uses His written word to speak to our souls. Here’s how that verse reads:
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Of the 25 to 50,000 words you will hear or speak in a day, the words from God are the most important. They are supernatural. In fact, when a guy submits himself to the Word, God can transform his mind and character for the good!
When it comes to valuing mentoring, Mentoring Warriors has a set of verses that are core to becoming mentors and godly young warriors. Let’s walk through each and some of the meaning behind them:
1 Corinthians 16:13-14. Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
Be watchful. Like a soldier on night patrol, become aware of lies and subtle ploys of the enemy to take you down. It could be a compromise that at the time doesn’t seem that big of a deal, but can open the door to further character flaws.
Stand firm in the faith. Not some stubborn, stoic, rigid religious adherent. Rather, standing firm in an on-going conversational relationship with Jesus. When things get rocky and unsettling, (and they will), you find yourself anchored to God by faith.
Act like men. You aren’t a boy anymore. This is a call for courage. To not try harder, but because of your nearness to God, you can become the provider and protector God intended.
Be strong. I’m not the best physically. I don’t do free weights at the gym. I don’t have a six-pack. What God is calling every man to, however is a strength of character that sees you through tough times.
Let all that you do be done in love. There was this guy. He fell “in love”, got married, had kids and became all the things in the first verse. One problem; he forgot how to love. Do verse 13 and no one will want to spend much time with you. Do verse 13 rooted in God’s love and you will find yourself rich in character and relationships.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Let’s cut to the chase. God made no provision for you to live the Christian life. He made every provision for the Holy Spirit to live the life of Christ through you. Therefore, you do not have to try harder; only to yield more. That quote from a pastor made a 180 degree-switch for me in how I live the Christian life. This is my life verse; enough so, I got it inked on my chest. When it comes to mentoring, it’s not you mentoring anyone; it’s Christ mentoring others through you.
Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
It’s to your advantage to quickly dispense with the idea that you can handle life solo. You cannot. Nor can I. There are times I am caught in a sin or a trial that is beyond my ability to handle. I need the iron sharpens iron nearness of brothers in Christ. It could be a kick in the pants wake up call or a hand that helps me bear the burdens I’m facing. Never to enable, but to walk with me through my troubles. And, as you mature in Christ, that is what you are to be to your brother in need. Mentoring pivots on such brotherhood.
2 Timothy 2:2. 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.
Paul invested his life into young Timothy. They traveled together, faced what seemed like insurmountable trials, hardships and obstacles and yet, at the end of his ministry, Paul’s undeniable passion was to see Timothy carry on with the Kingdom’s calling.
Think about it. If you invest in one young man through mentoring, such that his life becomes an ever-increasing reflection of Jesus, and then he does the same, and that guy does the same, a phenomenal thing will happen. There will be generations of men following Christ in society because of your faithfulness to one man now.
Wrap Up.
If these core verses don’t grip you, read through them again, asking God to open your spiritual eyes to the amazing adventure of Christ-centered mentoring!
Do these three things:
- Memorize these verses in your preferred translation (what is quoted above is the ESV; English Standard Version).
- Understand the meaning behind the verses. We’ve given you a jump-start on each.
- Talk about them with others. You will be surprised at what conversations can start when you incorporate God’s Word into the mix.
Need help with these verses? Reach out to us at info@mentoring-warriors.com
Warrior On!
David Riffel is the Founder and Executive Director of www.Mentoring-Warriors.com. Having gone through his warrior years (18-30) essentially without a mentor, God has placed in him a heart for warriors, to come alongside them in various ways as they figure out life. David’s newly released book, Mentoring Warriors: Coming Alongside Young Men 18-30, outlines principles for mentoring and gives advice for warriors in six key areas of life: self-management, life skills, education/career, relationships, faith, and identity.
