Neighbor Groups: Embrace FamiliesSample

Mentoring Relationships 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Many of us shared some of the same dream jobs: doctor, singer, teacher, astronaut. But let’s take a moment to consider why those were the careers we wanted when we were 6 years old.

While we would all have very different answers for choosing our answers to this age-old question, the common denominator probably includes influence and exposure. We’re influenced by older siblings, parents, relatives, teachers, and coaches. And then we’re exposed to diverse types of media that glorify different professions.

While the types of influence and exposure will vary for everyone, one thing remains true: Kids are always watching, learning, and dreaming.

Children’s curiosity and our personal experiences create the perfect blend for a mentorship to exist. And we see spiritual mentorships and intergenerational friendships woven throughout Scripture.

Let’s look at Eli and Samuel from the Old Testament. Eli the priest observed Samuel’s mom crying out to the Lord for a child long before Samuel was born. He was also the one who dedicated Samuel to the Lord once he was born. 

As Samuel grew up, Eli shared his spiritual wisdom with him, and their relationship continued to develop. When the Lord called Samuel, it was Eli who was able to help him discern the voice of God. Because Eli had experience discerning the voice of God for himself, he was able to help Samuel hear it as well. 

Eli was a spiritual mentor to Samuel. And we have the same responsibility to guide people younger or older than we are to the Lord, too. In fact, sometimes these mentoring relationships are the closest thing to a family that someone experiences. 

Think back on your own life. Who are some people who were like an Eli to you? Maybe it was a friend who invited you to church. Maybe it was a teacher who took extra time to invest in you. Or perhaps it was a neighbor who always welcomed you over. 

Having a caring adult in your life, especially as a child, can provide direction, confidence, wisdom, and experiences that we wouldn’t otherwise have. So as you reflect on the people in your life who have invested in you, take some time to think about who you could mentor.

Maybe it’s a college student or younger coworker who wants to learn a skill you’ve developed. Maybe it’s through volunteering with your local church’s kids’ or student ministry. Or maybe you’ll connect with an elderly neighbor to learn from their experiences and wisdom. 

God created us to need Him and one another, and mentoring is one way we can experience the love of God’s family here on earth. 

Pray: Heavenly Father, You are my greatest source of wisdom. Remind me that all of my experiences matter because You can use them to serve others. Thank You for the mentors You have placed in my life, even if I didn’t realize it at the time. Please use me to be a mentor to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Consider the people around you. What experiences do you have that might benefit someone else? Are there any areas where you feel lacking? Reach out to potential mentors and mentees to build relationships. You never know what might happen as a result.