It’s easy to complain about the problems of the world. This was especially true during an election year, but even more so when we look at the news in general. For some of us, the older we get, the more it feels we lack the time to be able to notice all the ways the world is struggling.
Of course, we don’t want to be grumpy old men. And many of us are striving to apply our biblical faith in our world in order to be a positive influence on our communities. Or at least we want to help. It can be daunting to figure out where to begin, though.
As Christians, we know that God often works through humble acts, small words, and everyday people. This is where Christian mentorship must take root: individual believers grasping hold of the simple truth with the conviction that it has the power to transform not just lives but entire communities.
Seeing these possibilities and helping bring them to fruition is the mission of Man in the Mirror.
The Ripple Effect of One Courageous Voice
You have probably heard the metaphor before: imagine a handful of stones tossed into a still pond. The ripples from each pebble expand outward, each circle touching the next, and soon, the whole surface is alive with movement. That’s what each man can do when he takes that first step of faith and reaches out to another man, whether a coworker, neighbor, or family member. It could start as just a shared cup of coffee and a few words of encouragement. Continue building on that relationship and, before long, those conversations become a lifeline of guidance, and that one relationship begins to influence countless others.
The truth is, you don’t have to be a pastor or a theologian to be a mentor. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being willing to listen to someone who needs a sympathetic ear or sharing how faith helped you through a tough season. Or — believe it or not — telling someone a “dad joke” just to lighten their mood.
The key is showing up and being available. And who knows? That seemingly offhand comment or moment of connection might be exactly what someone needed to hear to change the course of their day — or even their life.
Mentorship in the Everyday Moments
Men are called to be leaders, but that doesn’t mean we all need to start ministries or preach from pulpits. The leadership God calls us to can be as small as speaking up for what’s right during a work meeting, offering to pray for a friend going through a hard time, or modeling integrity and kindness in your daily interactions.
Wiithout us being aware of it, other people observe how we live — how we handle pressure, how we speak to our families, and how we respond to challenges. Every day, we have a choice: to blend into the background or stand out by living out our faith boldly. And when others see the light of Christ reflected in how we live, it inspires them to have the courage to do the same. Suddenly, what started as a personal commitment begins to impact families, then workplaces, and then whole communities.
Persistence Pays Off
Of course, mentorship can be challenging. Sometimes, the person we’re trying to help seems resistant or uninterested. But remember, seeds take time to grow. As Paul reminded us in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” You might not see the results of your efforts right away, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t taking root.
The most important thing is to stay consistent and to keep showing up. If we’re persistent and present, God will work through our words and actions, even when we least expect it.
A Call to Action
So, where can you start today? Well, your first step is always prayer. In embarking on any endeavor, we should humbly ask God to make us His instruments, “for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) When we are open to God’s direction, when we understand that we cannot make good things happen on our own, that is when God can work best through us.
Before you know it, you will see doors open before you. It could be reaching out to a young man who needs advice or offering practical help to someone fixing a tire or loading lumber into his truck. Maybe it’s being a friend to the new guy at work or volunteering at church. Wherever you find yourself, God has placed you there for a reason.
If you want to prepare yourself more fully to become a mentor and positively impact those around you, check out the Spiritual Fathers initiative for helpful resources. We’d love to help you grow as a Christ-centered mentor so that you can start making a meaningful difference — one small conversation, one encouraging word, one life at a time.
Remember, He is the vine, and you are the branch; transformation may begin as a small shoot, but when you’re rooted in Christ, your branch can bring forth fruit beyond imagining.
Go out and be the man God has called you to be, a leader who shapes your family, your workplace, and your community for the better. The world is waiting, and it needs you. Contact Man in the Mirror today, and let us help you nurture your mentorship mission.
