The Men of Iron Minute
by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation
Faithful Foundations of Mentorship
As we end this week’s series on relational tools of accountability, it’s time to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Any relationship, albeit friendship, marriage, or mentorship, will experience conflict, disagreements, and frustrations. God places “sandpaper” people in our lives to refine and remind us of the gospel that saves us. Here’s a comparison, people may be harsher and more direct, like coarse sandpaper, or they may be kind and honest, like fine sandpaper. In both scenarios, the people are there for a great reason- helping you become a better man. News flash, we are sandpaper people, too, and we will rub people the wrong way.
For example, when mentorships light up, they offer laughter, helpfulness, and connection. As time persists, the spark can be snuffed out with strained expectations, difficulties in meeting together, and unwillingness to take or give advice. Furthermore, this misfire can bring all sorts of issues into a mentorship, blowing up the bridge of trust that mentorships rely upon. Ambition, wit, and drive cannot overcome the C4 that awaits, so godly men need foundational principles to keep lines of communication open and the flow of communication moving through this predictable adversity.
As we have been exploring a highly practical part of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, we will discover the last relational tools that allow relationships to remain healthy through trying times with sandpaper people.
Romans 12:17-21: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (NIV84)
God predicts conflict and generously provides solutions.
- Forgive people generously.
- Live Peacefully with everyone.
- Overcome vengeance with good.
- Give of yourself willingly.
Praise God for the mess.
Be a mentor.
Find a mentor.
Be a better man.
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