By: Chef Dashi
Discipleship in Christ is not primarily about programs, Bible study courses or textbooks. They are tools, and spiritual fruitfulness and growth are nurtured in “relationships” with people who exemplify the Christian walk. Even the best resources do not produce disciples of Christ by themselves, but a living disciple of Christ produces more disciples. “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a helper fit for him”(Genesis 2:18). This is God’s way of saying that we need relationships with the people around us.
In the process of being saved and being transformed into the likeness of Christ, God uses our relationships with people and we would not be able to practice love if we did not have someone to love. Of course, it is important to gain knowledge of the Word of God personally, but when we put into practice how to live in Christ through relationships with others, we will truly inherit the faith.
There are many biblical figures that we can learn about disciple-making and the relationship between mentor and mentee. Moses and Joshua (Numbers 27:18-20); Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21); Naomi and Ruth (the entire book of Ruth); Elizabeth and Mary (Luke 1:30-36); Jesus and the Apostles (Mark 3:14-15); Barnabas and Paul (Acts 9:27, 11:22-26); Barnabas and John Mark (Acts 15:37-39) and Paul and Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:2) are some great examples of the mentor and mentee relationship.
In the Bible, spiritual leaders and guides did not have the title of “mentor”. However, it is interesting to note that they all valued personal relationships and pointed straight to walking with God through those living relationships. We can also learn from the Bible how they brought spiritual guidance to their individual mentees. They were clearly providing intentional encouragement, exhortation and correction to their mentees, reminding them of God’s greatness, encouraging them to trust in Him, helping them cope with trials and how to treat others. The mentees were receiving personal spiritual guidance and adapting the truth in their own situations.
When we look at the Bible in this way, it is clear that disciples of Christ are effectively made in personal relationships. Even though the terms “mentoring,” “mentor,” and “mentee” may be unfamiliar to us, in Japanese society, where seniority, juniority and other hierarchical relationships are emphasized, this type of relationship seems to fit very well. A role model, consciously or unconsciously, points out the path to follow. Whether at school or in the workplace, we are expected to imitate and follow these paths in everyday life. It is also difficult for Japanese people to express their opinions in a group setting. Therefore, there are many things that can be clarified through personal relationships, by opening up and processing one’s thoughts. Please continue to examine the importance of “personal relationships.