A number of significant words are associated with the word of the week, the primary of which is reliant. Spiritual leaders understand the need to rely upon God. They are dependent upon His guidance, direction, strength, and provisions as they lead others.

Spiritual leaders are also aware of the fact that followers are also dependent upon them to provide the same.

Guidance provides advice and instruction for the conduct and behavior of life.

Direction shows the way, primarily the way to an eternal home with God.

Strength is needed to get up and keep moving in the right direction as it connects to the goal.

Provisions are given to continue the journey and receive nourishment along the way, even when all else fails.

These four areas are all directly related to the dependence that is associated with our relationship with God and those who fill the role of leading God’s people.

The role must never be taken lightly. It is critical to building a solid foundation that supplies all of us with the basic components to our growth in relationship with God.

“No matter what stage of development, we need spiritual companions – mentors and guides, friends and peers along the journey – in order to flourish over a lifetime of godly service” (Reese and Loane, Deep Mentoring, 179).

The need for mentoring should be obvious. Considering the nature of Jesus’ mentoring, as it unfolds in the gospel of Matthew, is where we begin today.

Matthew uses an interesting word: behold. Matthew wants the reader to pay attention and observe. The genealogical record, activity of angels, fulfillment of prophecy, and the involvement of dreams are all significant to the claim of Jesus as the Christ.

The terms used to describe the involvement of Jesus as the Christ include shepherd, ruler, king, light, and healer.

However, the key is built upon the name, Immanuel – God with us, the powerful nature of His presence. The true nature of mentoring involves being present. If God left the glory of heaven to be with us, to shepherd, rule, provide light and heal, then we should also recognize that mentoring necessitates our being present and involved in the lives of those mentored.

“I want to live life in such a way that if a photograph were taken at random, it would be a cool photograph.” David Nicholls

We have no way of knowing the specific intent behind this thought, but the implication can be powerful to the way others see our leadership.

We are given an opportunity to live on the stage of life each day. Others are witnessing every move and word . Images are being imbedded in their minds, just like a photograph.

As they recall the days gone by, they remember these images and the impact left by them.

We do the same with others we see every day.

The question we need to ask ourselves is: what would the photograph others take of us look like?

Like most good photographs, there are times the perfect shot can only be taken in a moment of time. We may only have a moment for others to take that perfect picture that changes their lives forever.

Christians leaders must always let their light shine in such a way others can see their good works and glorify God.

What could be accomplished if we knew today was the only day we had left to live?

Doing a little Google search revealed interesting results. Answers ranged from immoral activities to resolving conflict and communicating ones feelings for someone else.

Would we spend time with family telling them how much we love them and how we want them to remember us?

Would we give away our possessions to those who are less fortunate?

Would we find a way to settle a disagreement with an estranged friend?

Would we extend ourselves to help someone reach their potential?

From a nonChristian perspective, I am sure the answers would align accordingly.

From a Christian perspective, however, the value of having one day left makes our leadership much more vital.

Nothing would be more important than making sure others knew about Jesus and the avenue He provides to insure an eternity in heaven.

The reality is we do not have a guarantee of tomorrow; today may be the last day we are given. Let us make today valuable and seek a way to lead someone to Christ.

Scripture makes some interesting declaratives in application to living the Christian life. One of those statements is found in Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus.

Slaves are to render obedience to their masters with sincerity, as though they were serving Christ, not by way of eye service, simply to please an earthly master.

We live in a society that thrives on image; there is a great concern for the appearance of things, how others see us.

Sadly, many people render service only to an earthly master. The concern is limited to doing the least amount of work, yet appear to be working hard when others are watching.

The beauty of godly leaders is demonstrated when they constantly strive to please the Lord. In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul expressed that pleasing the Lord should be our ambition.

People are watching: our children and spouse, people at work and our neighborhood, as well as fellow Christians. When we consider our conduct before others, is it because we want to please those who are watching or is our motive to please God?

Only God and you know the answer.

A person who is qualified refers to someone who is recognized as trained to perform a specific job or task. A level of competency is also associated with this recognition.

The Bible provides a list of qualifications for men who serve in the position of an elder or deacon within the church.

These qualifications are in place to guide the future of the church with leaders who are qualified to provide the necessary shepherding to keep the church pure and doctrinally sound.

While all Christians should strive to achieve these qualities (at least the ones applicable) we do not have to possess all these qualities in order to be qualified to lead others.

Remember, leadership is about influence. We are striving to influence others for the cause of Christ. As a Christian, our qualification for leading others is built on the blood of our Savior.

The stronger our faith becomes, the more our confidence grows, and the greater the opportunity to influence others. Qualified leaders are needed in the Lord’s church to shepherd God’s people, and qualified leaders are needed to influence others for the kingdom.

Information about mentoring is unlimited. Several approaches to mentoring indicate a number of options available for consideration.

For the next few weeks, we want to explore several areas related to the concept of mentoring and how Christians can use mentoring to achieve the second half of the Great Commission; “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

Mentoring involves an experienced and trusted advisor who trains and counsels someone else. The mentoring relationship may extend any where from a few days to a few years depending on the nature and purpose of the relationship.

As a spiritual influence in the lives of others, we all want to pursue ways we can mentor someone in developing maturity in their faith.

The approach to mentoring we will examine in the weeks ahead will be based on ways Jesus mentored the disciples.

As we explore these areas, please examine ways to get involved in mentoring others, but also seek out someone who can be a mentor.

Before we begin to dig deeper next week, pray about someone who can be a mentor and pray for someone to mentor.

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” Nido Qubein

Where have we been? Where are we now? Where do we want to go?

Evaluating the answers to these questions is invaluable in determining the thought of the day.

Our present circumstances will have a bearing on where we go, but only if we look at them as a place to start.

Our choices from yesterday determine what we live with today. The choices we make today determine the consequences we must live with tomorrow.

As we consider our present circumstances, we must make a choice, but make the choice with an understanding of the impact on tomorrow. This is the starting point for what could make all the difference in how we move into the future and prepare for a greater life, physically and spiritually.

This decision will also influence our leading others to do the same, as they must make the same choice.

Time is the most valuable commodity any person is given. The interesting fact about time is that we all have exactly the same amount of time each day. How we use the time we have is what makes the difference in leadership.

When Paul wrote a letter to the church at Ephesus, he pointed out the need for these Christians to walk wisely making the most of their time (Ep. 5:15-16).

How can we approach the wise use of our time in daily practice?

Sit down and list the amount of time spent on every activity for one week. Contrast the activities that are spent with a self-centered focus, others-directed focus, and spiritual focus.

Take a moment to ask an important question: why? Why do we spend time in areas more self-centered and not others-directed? Why do we miss opportunities to spend time spiritually focused?

Check the balance of time spent in work with family. Is there a proper balance?

A few simple questions, a little evaluation, and refocusing our direction helps in using our time wisely.

“Do as I say, not as I do.” Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy of saying things and not doing them.

Hypocrisy in the home exists when parents tell their children to live a certain way, yet not living by the same standard themselves.

This is not to say that parents need to be perfect, regardless of the standard under consideration. However, there needs to be consistency.

Children already push the limits as close to the line as possible and measure every action by the consistency of parental guidance.

As challenging as parenting is for anyone, the best place to lead our children in establishing a standard to guide their lives throughout life is found in the home. Here is where the foundation must be laid.

We must develop a consistency in approaching how the standard is lived in the home.

When we fail to live up to the standard: admit it, apologize, and make restitution. Do not excuse it, ever!

Seek ways to help our children understand the purpose behind the standard.

This kind of example strengthens the development of our leadership in the home.