MAN UP BIBLE SERIES IRON MAN 1 – A Call to Mentor Lesson Five

The Real World I love sports. I find a very interesting role being played out in lots of College Sports. That is the role between a coach and his players. College’s that have a winning tradition often have coaches who stay with the program for years and years. The relationship between the coach and players often mirrors what I am talking about when I see a Mentor and a mentee working together. One wants to get better, the other has the tools and the desire to help someone along. This is not to say that Mentors have all the answers to life like the Buddhists monks in Kung Fu! It does mean that men need to start to seek ways to ask for and share the insights for successful Christian living. There are some very useful tips and teaching that could be helpful to each of us! This lesson talks about the traits that make a good Mentor.

The Real Word 1 Timothy 3 New International Version (NIV) Qualifications for Mentors 3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self- controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full [a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.a 8 In the same way, deacons [b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.b 11 In the same way, the women [c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.c 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Real Talk Have you ever had someone you considered a father figure who was not your dad? What difference did that relationship make in your life? Do you have a mentor? Could you be a mentor to someone?

Real Steps A Good Mentor has these Characteristics: 1. Has what you need. It seems like a good match. 2. Cultivates Relationships. Likes people and you. 3. Willing to Share with you. Has a depth to him. 4. Is respected by others. Has a good reputation. 5. Has a network of resources. Has the answers to your questions. 6. Is consulted by others. He has done this before. 7. Both Talks and listens. Not a know it all. Knows when to step in. 8. Consistent Lifestyle. Very important. Steady. 9. Able to figure you out. You hit it off. 10. Is committed to making you a better man. No matter what it takes.

Time to Close So we have looked at some of the important characteristics of a mentor. If you are looking for a mentor make sure they have these kind of talents to share. You must be willing to really be intentional in your search and desire to better yourself and invest your best effort going forward. It may be that you realized that God has empowered you with the special calling of being a mentor to men in your Corps. How do you know? Ask God. See if He has a plan for you. As men we need to reach out and help each other. The world is a tough place and having some answers from a man who has been through it can be so very helpful. This is the way God wants us to be involved in each others lives. If we reach out and seek the help God will provide the mentor. Time to MAN UP!