Service # 3

Sharing Responsibilities

Last week we looked at Elijah and Elisha to see how we should start our mentor/apprentice relationship.  The mentor is to let their calling and relationship with God speak for them rather than their deeds and "fame".  The apprentice is to be ready to go all-in and willing to serve in any capacity necessary.  This week we look at how the two parties itneract together for the greater good of the Kingdom of God and how that benefits them, too.  We use one of the first mentor/apprentice relationships in the Bible to discover this:

Moses and Joshua

Moses was a leader and respected among the people of Israel.  He always put God before himself and led Israel according to the will of God. His commitment to God and His ways allowed him to have great revelation into how Israel should act and where they should go. 

Joshua was a warrior.  He was able to do things Moses wasn't able to do.  Things that were necessary for Israel to possess their Promised Land.  Most importantly, Joshua was willing to do them for God and for Moses.

Operating In Your Calling

Moses let Joshua operate in his talent and skill to serve (Exodus 17:9).  At the same time, Joshua was fully committed to letting his talents be used by Moses, God and Israel.  He fought the battles that would build Israel's fame throughout the land, but he never attempted to usurp or go beyond his mentor.

Meanwhile Moses spoke into Joshua's life and shared with him things that would be necessary for Joshua to be a well-rounded leader one day (Exodus 17:14, Numbers 11:28-29). Moses didn't withhold or shrug off Joshua.  He didn't belittle or keep Joshua down. He never tried to take over where Joshua was thriving. Instead, he encouraged and taught him throughout their relationship.

This give and take relationship allowed for growth in Joshua and Moses individually, as a team and it spilled over into the people they influenced.  

How To Work Hand-in-Hand

Today, this type of relationship is still necessary.  There are saints out their who are great leaders, but they lack certain skills to make them completely effective in reaching their communities.  Likewise, there are skilled and talented people who lack the wisdom and certain leadership abilities to take over and reach their communities. 

Example:
A seasoned missionary is looking to start a church.  However, he knows nothing of constructing a building.  A young man comes along who has carpentry skills.  As he builds the church to the missionary's specifications and the community's needs, the missionary imparts wisdom to the young carpenter.  They eventually begin a ministry of building homes for the homeless across their community, all the while the missionary is imparting his knowledge and wisdom to the people but also the young carpenter.  When the missionary is prepared to move on to a new community, he has already imparted the necessary teachings for the carpenter to take the lead in his absence.  The carpenter was wise and listened to the missionary and is now capable of leading the people.  This is the mentor/apprentice relationship on full display. 

Armed with this knowledge, attempt the following activities with your mentor/apprentice

Mentor

• Allow your apprentice to shine in their skills

• Don't be intimidated at what they can do that you cannot

• Encourage them in their talents, but teach them how their talents work with what you have to impart to them

Apprentice

• Don't hide your talents from your mentor

• Offer these talents in service to your mentor and community

• Listen to the teachings of your mentor and put those teachings into your skills

See how these activities bring you closer to your mentor/apprentice and allow you to grow in your combined purpose and individual callings.