Proverbs 13: 20: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise.”   This past week, I had to repair another major pipe leak in the water supply line from the water meter to my house.  It was not a first-time event as I have had to repair more than 10 water leaks on my side of the meter over the past 30 years.  These have been the result of poor soil type, inferior engineering and shoddy workmanship by the original plumber.  It became clear early on that the plumber had not walked with nor been trained properly by a wise mentor.  Therefore, he was not wise and it was reflected in his performance.  After the first few leaks and significant expense, I began to carefully observe and listen to a wise expert plumber as he made the next repairs.  He became my mentor and I learned how to repair the subsequent leaks myself by just watching.  This expert plumber became my mentor and I have now become a mentor myself to share how to make these repairs to my neighbors and grandsons.  I am not ready to go commercial but I do keep spare parts and pipe glue available for the next incident.

As we apply this real-life illustration to our lives and spiritual leadership, it is important that we look at mentors from two aspects.  The first is that we seek godly, wise and spiritual mentors from whom we can learn.  The second is that we become wise godly mentors to those whom we lead at home, work, church and community.  A mentor is someone whose hindsight can become our foresight.  The expert plumber’s hindsight became my foresight to handle the issues I faced.  Paul was a mentor to Timothy and confirms this leadership/mentor principle in II Timothy 2: 2 “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  My admonition to you is to find a godly and wise mentor who can share his hindsight from walking with Jesus with you.  Then, you should become a mentor to others and teach them the truth of God’s Word and from your walk with Christ.  Faith starts in the home, so start with your own family.  You will be called upon to repair leaks in their lives, so prepare now for those unexpected times in your life and theirs.