1 Kings 19 (The Message) 19 Elijah went straight out and found Elisha son of Shaphat in a field where there were twelve pairs of yoked oxen at work plowing; Elisha was in charge of the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak over him. 20 Elisha deserted the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, "Please! Let me kiss my father and mother good-bye—then I'll follow you." "Go ahead," said Elijah, "but, mind you, don't forget what I've just done to you."
Elijah was near the end of his ministry for God. He had lived a long and illustrious life and had been faithful in some pretty dire circumstances. He was at a point in his career where he was ready (and even commanded by God) to mentor someone. Elisha became that person. The notion of mentoring is not only the buzzword of this century, it has a long history.
God had to instruct Elijah to mentor Elisha. Elisha apparently took the idea lightly until Elijah said, “don’t forget what I’ve just done to you.” What Elijah had done was offer an invitation into a deeper spiritual commitment. He didn’t want his soon to be understudy to miss the depth of that invitation.
Today, business schools and books explore the subject of mentoring. The concept of apprenticeship is making a comeback. Experienced people in all fields are recognizing their best legacy may be helping someone else become an expert. In the area of faith, the need is the same or greater.
If you look at your faith life, and in all humility can say you are at a place where you have something to pass along, consider being a mentor.
If you need a mentor, seek those you consider to be farther along in their faith life. I am sure you’ll find they are open to walking the faith journey with you.
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