I have been seeking to encourage you to understand the value and importance of the people within your “inner circle.” Carefully choose the people you allow to influence you. Within that circle you need a great mentor. Christ wants to be your Ultimate Mentor; one on one times with Jesus cannot be replaced. However, God also brings mentors who will help to bring growth and development to you and your life dream. Let’s look at an example from the Bible.
Every Christ follower is also required to be a leader or mentor of others; it is how the Good News is spread throughout the world. Elijah was the mentor of Elisha (1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 2)). It was God’s plan to spiritually groom Elisha through this strong prophet, Elijah. What types of things did Elisha learn through this connection? Elisha began to understand his leadership call in life, how to wait patiently for the right leadership timing, and the necessity for surrender to divine Lordship. It is the way we grow and develop into all God is calling us to be as His people. A mentor is someone who takes a great interest in you and is willing to share and release things in his/her realm of spiritual influence to allow you to grow in character and develop as a leader. Be careful when choosing your mentor; choose someone who really models the love and grace of God. An immature and self-serving mentor is of little value in your inner circle, because he/she will halt your spiritual progress.
When Elijah had completed everything God had intended him to do on earth, he said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” Elisha said to Elijah, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” (2 Kings 2:9) In the will and purposes of God, Elijah’s spirit rested upon Elisha as he continued living a powerful life in connection with God.