Everyone needs a mentor, a model, a partner, and a friend.
Jesus modeled the need for a mentor during his ministry here on earth. He selected 12 followers that we refer to as the 12 apostles. Jesus acted as their mentor by showing them how to live on a daily basis and by teaching them.
You are not intended to figure things out on your own. Everyone should have a mature spiritual mentor that is willing to take the time to make sure you understand what the word of God says.
This is most clearly seen in Matthew 15:15. Jesus had just finished teaching a parable. The disciples don’t quite understand what is being taught: "Then Peter said to Jesus, 'Explain to us the parable that says people aren’t defiled by what they eat.'” Jesus then took the time to mentor his closest disciples on what was being taught. We see this happen again and again during Jesus' ministry. As a mentor, he encouraged them to ask when they didn’t understand and made sure they understood what was being taught.
All Christians should strive to have Jesus as our model. In Philippians 2:5, Paul says: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." (KJV). After all, the word "Christian" means to be a follower of Christ. If we follow Him, then He should be our model!
Every Christian also needs a partner. Jesus, our model and our mentor, sent His disciples out two by two. .. "And he [Jesus] called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits" (Mark 6:7 NLT).
Finally, we all need a friend. Jesus says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:12-14 NIV). Because Jesus showed us in our lives the importance of having a mentor, a model, a partner, and a friend, we should do our own assessments to see if we have these key elements present in our lives.
