A senior man of God I know mentors young leaders. One day, a young man came to him and said, “Sir, God told me I’m going to the UK for ministry and that you are the one to sponsor me.” The man first laughed. Then he told him the truth.
Friend, don’t turn mentors to sponsors. You must learn to discern people and their roles in your life (2 Corinthians 5:16). What are you really looking for in relationships? A Mentor or a Sponsor (2 Kings 5:26)? Because confusing the two is why many people are frustrated today.
Mentors don’t drop money. They drop wisdom (Hebrews 13:7). Yes, a good mentor can help financially. But if money is all you are chasing, most mentors will run. The few who keep giving you money will often become tormentors. They will use that money to control you, cage you, and dictate your destiny.
Wisdom is worth more than cash (Deuteronomy 34:9). Money runs out. Wisdom teaches you how to make, manage, and multiply money. Without those 3 skills, even a big gift will disappear (Luke 15:11-14). Poor people chase money. Rich people chase wisdom.
Learn to discern your relationships. Not everybody will contribute to your life in the same way. Don’t get offended because the man you admire won’t fund you (Acts 3:5-6). What he has is not the point. How he got it is the point. Study his process, not just his pocket.
Run from tormentors. Not everyone who is older, richer, or louder qualifies to mentor you (1 Corinthians 11:1). A real mentor gives you freedom (2 Timothy 1:6-7). He helps you discover yourself, gives you wings to fly, and a ladder to climb. He doesn’t cage you. He releases you. Choose wisdom over wallets. Choose mentors over sponsors and run from tormentors.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria