I heard a funny story from a senior man of God recently. He usually mentors young and upcoming leaders. Then, one day, someone came to him in the guise of mentorship. But not too long, the young man said this to him; “Sir, God has sent me to the UK for ministry, and he spoke to me that you will be the one to sponsor me there.” The senior minister first burst into laughter before he spoke sense into him.
Friend, you must learn to discern people and their roles in your life (2 Corinthians 5:16). You must also be clear about what you want in life and what your priorities are. Failure to do this is the reason for frustration in the lives of many people today. Who or what do you want? A mentor or sponsor (2 Kings 5:26)?
Mentors are not those who doll out money to you. They are the ones who doll out wisdom and guidance to you (Hebrews 13:7). While a mentor can give you money, you must not make this your priority. Most mentors run away from people who want to make them sponsors. The ones who continue to give you money may end up moving from mentors to tormentors. They use that money to control you and cage your destiny.
The wisdom from a mentor will give you more than money can give you (Deuteronomy 34:9). There is no amount of money a mentor can give you that will equal his wisdom. The wisdom of a mentor will help you to know how to make, manage, and multiply money. If you lack these skills, you will soon become poor. It’s only a matter of time (Luke 15:11-14). Poor people look for money. Rich people look for wisdom.
Learn to discern relationships so you won’t turn a mentor into a sponsor. Many people have been offended today because the person they thought would give them money is not extending such a gesture towards them (Acts 3:5-6). The fact that he is rich does not mean you should focus on his money. How he walked the road to wealth and impact is more important than focusing on what he has.
Run away from tormentors. It is not everyone who qualifies to mentor you (1 Corinthians 11:1). Some will control you and cage your destiny. A mentor gives you liberty to express yourself as you explore the possibilities that are unique to your life and destiny (2 Timothy 1:6-7). A mentor helps you to discover yourself and gives you wings to fly or ladder to climb.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria