There are two sides to mentorship, and while the role of the mentor is itself worth examination, the role of the one ostensibly being mentored is often overlooked. 1 Peter 5:1-5 charges both elders and youth with respective obligations toward each other, establishing a sharing of responsibility within their relationship. I was reminded of this while visiting my maternal grandparents for vacation; my grandfather is an accomplished storyteller, and able to account his life experiences with engaging authenticity. He has also been blessed with significant insight, allowing him to instill the lessons of his life into his stories. For me to benefit from his experiences, however, I must be willing to listen, and subsequently apply what he shares to my own life; this is my responsibility to him as the younger.
Firstly, I must be open to being taught; Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. (Proverbs 19:20) This is actually a more general charge laid upon everyone, not just the youth, but it nonetheless accurately depicts the foundational responsibility of the student. One who is arrogant engages with learning under false pretenses, believing himself to be sufficient, and will thus fail to benefit from the instruction offered to him. There is always some deficiency in us, for we continue to suffer under the effects of sin. It takes humility to accept the help we need to continue growing, and edification is the key to overcoming these weaknesses.
Secondly, I must be intentional; I am just as responsible for seeking mentorship as the mentor is to provide it. God expects initiative on the part of his children (consider James 4:17), not as a substitute for His providence, but as a blessing to us to be involved in His work (as an example, John 3:27-29). This is no less true in the matter of mentorship; if I see I am without edification, it is my duty to seek and pursue it until it is attained. One who is indifferent to his deficiencies is doomed by them, for vice is never truly dormant; if it is not dealt with, it continues to grow in corruption. We must desire betterment of ourselves, and there are few methods more effective than the encouragement of others.
Thirdly, but not finally, I must be respectful. More than openness, respect is humility acted upon between individuals, a recognition of God’s lordship over all of us, whereby I have no right to claim superior judgement over another according to my own human wisdom. My elders are not immune to error, any more than I am, but their accountability is to God before me, and He has ordained that I consider myself subservient to them short of His leading (Hebrews 13:17). One who is quick to critique their mentor will not only stunt their own learning, but will further erode the respect had towards themselves; for it is hard for the teacher to honor the disruptive student. Rather let us foster respect between each other, according to the roles of our relationships, that we might fully benefit from them and the better attain edification.
Be open; be intentional; be respectful. TTT