010 - Growing Your Faith Through Mentorship
In 1 Kings 19:19-21, we encounter a profound moment in the life of Elijah as he calls Elisha to follow him. This passage showcases a successful mentorship that transcends time and speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities faced by men in the modern world.
The Call and Response
Elijah, having been instructed by God, finds Elisha plowing a field. When Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha, it symbolizes a call to discipleship. Elisha’s immediate response—leaving his oxen and running after Elijah—demonstrates not just his willingness to follow but the urgency and commitment needed in any mentorship relationship. In our contemporary context, this mirrored urgency can inspire us to respond to mentors or calls within our spiritual journeys without hesitation.
The Importance of Leaving Behind Old Ways
What stands out in this narrative is Elisha's decision to sacrifice his past—a life of farming and familiarity for one of the unknown with Elijah. This is a critical lesson for modern men: mentorship often requires us to leave behind our old habits, environments, or even industries that no longer serve our growth. Whether it's stepping away from negative influences or prioritizing spiritual growth over mundane distractions, mentorship involves significant life changes.
A Two-Way Relationship
In successful mentorship, the relationship must be reciprocal. While Elijah pours into Elisha, teaching him, guiding him, and modeling faith, Elisha is not a passive recipient but an active participant. He asks permission to say goodbye to his family, indicating respect for his past while simultaneously acknowledging his new path.
For men today, this highlights the necessity of open communication with mentors and mentees. It's a dynamic relationship built on trust and respect. As you consider your mentors or those you may mentor, think about how you can create an environment where mutual growth is prioritized.
Setting Foundations for Long-Term Commitment
Elisha’s journey doesn’t end at his calling; rather, it begins a transformative process. He returns home, slaughters his oxen, and uses the equipment for a fire, symbolizing his complete break from the past. This kind of commitment is vital for any man pursuing a walk with Christ through mentorship. It means fully engaging in the process, sacrificing what holds us back, and diving deep into the new path God lays out.
In our lives, whether we are mentoring or being mentored, this commitment fosters authenticity and vulnerability—key ingredients in building a strong foundation for faith-based growth. Successful mentorship involves a willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations and an openness to accountability.
Embracing the Journey Together
Elijah’s mentorship of Elisha is characterized by patience and persistence. Men today must recognize that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and grace—both given and received. As you navigate your mentorship journey, cultivate the patience necessary to embrace each other's struggles and victories. Celebrate small wins and remain committed to the journey, understanding that the path to spiritual maturity is a marathon, not a sprint.
Conclusion
The mentorship relationship between Elijah and Elisha provides timeless principles that are highly relevant for men pursuing a deeper relationship with God in our modern world. By responding to the call, leaving behind the past, fostering open relationships, committing wholeheartedly, and embracing the journey together, you can become an unreasonably committed follower of Jesus, ready to inspire the next generation. Seek a mentor, or become one—this is the calling we are not just encouraged to live by, but one that can radically transform lives for the Kingdom.
Want to hear more? Listen to Episode 010 on the podcast for a full teaching on this passage of scripture.
