And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
~ II Timothy 2:2
Ok, I fully admit, I am a sucker for Rocky movies. They are inspirational underdog stories with great training montages and adrenaline-inducing soundtracks. But, Creed is different. It is the story of a troubled orphan named Adonis seeking an identity, trying to prove to the world and to himself that he is not “a mistake.” In this pursuit, he makes an important decision. He seeks a mentor to teach him. Rocky Balboa.
Watch the trailer below to get some context.
The relationship birthed between Adonis and Rocky depicts the reality of mentoring. It is a relationship that begins with awkwardness and insecurity, but builds with trust over time. It is a relationship where the mentor imparts his wisdom and experience into the mentee, so as to extract his full potential. It is a relationship filled with difficult yet meaningful conversations, and both men end up stronger. Both men experience transformation.
That is the blessing of mentoring. Mentors end up being greatly impacted as they seek to impact others. It is the process by which imperfect people pour themselves into others, draw out their best, and, in doing so, impact the world. And the very best mentors make sure that their mentees eventually become mentors. Look at what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy:
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
He is making sure that Timothy, the person he has poured his life into, pours his life into others, who will then pour their lives into even more. This is how love, truth, help, and hope are spread. And, if you’re worried (like I have been) that you have to know more or be more to begin mentoring, please remember what one of my mentors said to me many years ago.
We’re just beggars trying to show other beggars where to find bread.
I find it fascinating that Bethlehem literally means “house of bread” in Hebrew. The most effective and transformational mentoring is that which points to the one born in Bethlehem. The most important goal of mentoring is to help others find sure footing in their identity and purpose. There is no better foundation for this than that which Jesus provides. He is the Bread of Life and the ultimate source of love, truth, help, and hope.
Yes, if you haven’t guess it yet, I am using the latest Rocky movie to discuss the importance of mentoring, of pouring your life, wisdom, and experience into another. ‘Rocky’ relationships are fantastic. Relationships built on the Rock are even better.
~Zach