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

The Real World In this lesson it is time to focus on reality. As you work with another man in a mentor relationship there is a possibility that things will not go as planned. He could move. You could move. There are problems at work, home or job that make it impossible to continue to meet. Either one of you could do something stupid. Like? Have an affair. Steal money. Cheat on your taxes and end up in jail. There are as many reasons as there are situations in life. So I want us to be aware of them and ready to see the dangers signs and to realize that we can survive all of the above. So take note. Take Responsibility. You may even have to switch roles if certain things happen. Guys will always fail you! God will never let you down! So trust in the Lord at all times! Reach up as much as you reach out!

The Real Word 2 Timothy 2 New International Version (NIV) The Appeal Renewed 2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Real Talk Do you ever feel pushed beyond your capacity at work? How do you handle adversity in Life? Do you think there is a man out there who can help you?

Real Steps Some things to look out for in a mentoring relationship: Unrealistic Expectations. Too much power to mentor. Unfulfilled Expectations. Too much trust by mentee. Controlling Mentors. Too much Control from mentor. Misuse of Power. You are not a his robot or project. Moral Failure of Mentor. He is a man just like you. Lack of taking responsibility for actions. It is your work to do.

Time to Close Ronda and I served in Colorado Springs for over five years as Salvation Army Officers. Each year Soldiers and Officers from all over the United States would gather for the National Evangelism Seminar. It would be held in Glen Erie which is a retreat center in the Garden of the Gods run by the Navigators. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you look up in the cliffs you can see eagle’s nests. They even have a camera on them so you can see the eaglets growing up. Eagles have a very odd way of getting their young out of nest. At a certain time they just push them out of the nest! They fall until a miracle happens. They open their wings and begin to soar in circles. That is some of you men today as you read this lesson. You are in free fall. It is time to spread your wings and find someone to come alongside you. Time to MAN UP!