Consistency

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Consistency is doing well all the time, not just sometimes. We, as believers, should be consistent in the way we live life and the way in which we treat people. Our attitude and the our approach to life should be consistent. This means that the way we live life is determined by our beliefs and not based on our feelings, situation, or circumstances and, because of this, we live in a way that is stable. We can be counted on at all times.

Consistency is so valuable to the believer that it is difficult to list all the benefits. Here are a few:

1> Consistence establishes your reputation. 

Nearly anyone can be good once. Being good continually is difficult. However, continued repetition leads to a positive reputation.

2> Consistency makes others feel more confident and secure

Perhaps the greatest compliment a person can receive is. “I can depend on you.” A consistent believer or leader inspires others to become more confident, bold, and courageous.

3> Consistency allows for accurate measurement of your growth

It is difficult to gauge the progress of inconsistent people. The consistent track record we establish shows what we have done and how far we have come.

4> Consistency makes you relevant

People who bounce back and forth between engagement and disengagement always have to play catch-up. They are, because of this, no longer in touch with what is happening and thus, in many way, they are irrelevant. By staying consistently engaged, you don’t fall behind and people can count on you to be there for them.

5> Consistency models your expectations for others

When you consistently model your values and work ethic, others know what you expect of them because they see it every day. Consistency always reinforces expectations.

6> Consistency maintains your message

When a believer or leader communicates a vision and approach to life but acts in ways that are inconsistent with that vision the result is confusion. It distracts from the message you are communicating and makes it more difficult for everyone who relates to you and who believe in you. 

Consistency is lacking in the life of many Christians. It is something we need to ponder and then move forward, making changes so we can be more consistent and thus more impactful. 

Some Decent Guidelines for Life

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Most of my adult life I have worked to live by a number of guidelines. These decisions early in my walk as a believer and a Christian leader have helped me in every area of my walk with Jesus and in every situation I have found myself in as a Christian and as a leader. These were thought through many years ago with the help of a mentor whose books I devoured and whose teachings I listened to on a regular basis for many years.

These are the decisions that I made that have helped me in so many situations in life and in ministry…

1> Always put people first

Often we can put a task before people. For example, we have often many things to do before a service starts on the weekend. So, we become task oriented to accomplish what needs to be done often neglecting people who are arriving early; people walking by us on their way to doing something; or those who might just need a hug and a warm hello. 

In the business world often profit comes before people – staff, customers, family members. Making a profit becomes more important than the people who are helping you to be successful and make a profit.

Remember: always put people first

2> Live to make a difference, not to make money

Live your life and chosen career to make a difference and not to make a living. Work to live and don’t live to work. You only have a given number of days upon the planet and you should, as a believer, make every one of those days count for the Kingdom. We are here, as Spirit-filled believers, to make a difference. The world should be better off because you spent time on the planet. Each of us needs to do more than breathe the air and use up space during our time on Earth.

God has a plan and a purpose for you and you need to discover what it is. He is not keeping it a secret. However, you do need to seek after Him and His Kingdom to discover what that purpose is. And, as you fulfil that purpose, you will maker a difference.

Remember: Live to make a difference, not to make money

3> Be myself, but be my best self possible

As a believer you need to find out “who you are in Christ.” He has made you “a new creature in Christ” when you were born again. Who is this person who is now “in Christ?” And, then, once you discover who you are as you journey with Jesus  – you work to be the best you that you can be. 

As you journey with the Lord and discover how He has wired you – your motivational gifts as found in Romans 12:4-8 – you will begin to see what your hot buttons are. And these interests and the passion you feel will indicate the beginning of discovering who He created you to be. 

Then, as you continue to discover who you are you have the joy and yes, even fun, of learning how best to express the best you there is – how you are going to live, your values, your morals, your dress code, your friends. 

Remember:  Be myself, but be my best self possible 

4> Express gratitude – reject entitlement

Today’s generation seems to believe that they are entitled to a good life and all the benefits of that good life. They believe that they should not have to work or struggle to obtain those benefits. They are simply entitled to them.

To live as a believer we need to understand that we are not entitled to anything and that all we have, including life itself, is a result of a gracious and powerful God who loves us. 

As a result, instead of constantly demanding more, better, bigger we should be expressing gratitude for what we do have – as little or as much as that may be. We need to reject the whole concept of ‘entitlement.’

Remember: Be myself, but be my best self possible

5> Be willing to be misunderstood and lonely for the right reasons

As believers in a non-Christian world we will need to make quality decisions based on Scripture. We will live moral and ethical lives based on the life example of Jesus as set out in the gospels.  Our choices and the things we stand for and defend will not always be understood and accepted by others. So, we need to be confident in what we, as born again Christians, believe. Then, be bold and courageous as we base decisions on those beliefs, and, at times, even take a stand publicly for what we believe. 

As a result we will be misunderstood and often need to stand alone – lonely for the right reasons. 

Remember: Be willing to be misunderstood and lonely for the right reasons

These five basic quality decisions will take each and every believer a long way in life – a life that will benefit others and leave the world a different place than it was when you were born into it. 

Ten Things Everyone Should Know About a Christian View of Homosexuality

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Introduction:

So, the other day I headed out to the bank and then to the drug store and post office to do some messages and catch up a bit on some office work.

As I entered the bank I was faced with – it was rather loud and obvious so confronted by – a huge presentation celebrating the diversity we have in Canada and focused on Pride month. 

June has been designated the month where we recognize this segment of our national population. 

June has been designated Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride month. 

June is now focused on this segment of society in most nations of the world even those that have yet to recognize “gay rights”

Then, entering the drug store there were large posters pointing to this month’s special focus and special sales, of course. 

And, again, at the post office. 

And, again, in most email specials coming into my in-box (Hollister, Abercrombie-Finch)

I am not against having a month to draw attention to all the issues within society regarding this segment of the population. 

And, I think it is good to come to know the history behind the movement and discover all the less-than-humane treatment that this group has suffered at the hands of governments and people (society) in general.

I believe, as well, that we need to take a look at how the Church has treated those who are part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community. 

We don’t have a very good track record either historically nor in the recent past. In some cases, even today they are not understood or treated in a loving manner by the Church.

Some segments of the Church have elevated this lifestyle – and the Bible does consider it behaviour that is not in line with God’s plan – to the category of major sin.

It is the sin that the Church is targeting, emphasizing, and condemning. 

However, I believe that it is simply one of many sins and that in God’s eyes all sins are equal (James 2:10). 

So, homosexuality is no worse nor better than drunkenness, divorce, gossiping, abortion, or dishonouring your parents. 

Yet, we have elevated this one specific sin to a special place and taken aim at it while ignoring many of the other sins very evident and rampant in the Church and in society.

I believe that Jesus loves sinners. And so should we. 

I believe that Jesus accepts sinners just as they are because He knows that if they begin to walk with Him that He will change them. 

I believe that we should accept them as well – unconditionally. 

I believe that Jesus forgives all sins (except blaspheming the Holy Spirit) regardless of the gravity of the sin or what the sinner is involved in. 

He loves unconditionally, He accepts us just as we are, and He forgives us totally.

That is what I call The LAF Principle. 

And, we would do well to remember that this is how God treated each one of us who call ourselves believers. 

And, that Jesus expects us to do unto others what He has done unto us. 

We are to treat others in the same manner that He has treated us.

I believe that if we were to actually do this we would embrace all sinners and simply love, accept, and forgive them.

We would not separate one sin and make it the BIG ONE for today. 

We would, as God obviously does, simply see sin as sin and love the sinner regardless of the sin.

This means we do not judge those who are in sin – recognizing the sin in our own life helps us not to judge others. 

This means we must not be critical of others and the lifestyles they choose to live. 

This means we must not reject them because Jesus died for them just as He died for us. 

This means that we, the Church, must welcome all sinners and not fall into the traditional denominational tendency of having big and little sins – mortal and venial sins. 

Sin is sin and Jesus died for the forgiveness of all sin no matter how big or small, significant or insignificant we may consider them.

This means we must stop the “us and them” mentality

We are all sinners and no matter what the sin is we are all saved by grace and faith. 

We must welcome all sinners without categorizing the sin and declaring one worse than another. 

This means we must learn how to love, accept, and forgive. And, in doing so, learn how to no longer judge, criticize, and reject. 

We are in what is called a “culture war” as society and the culture changes. 

The battleground of this culture war is homosexuality and same-sex marriage 

This battle has been going on for almost 50 years and it is a war that we, Christians believers, are losing. AND, it is mostly our fault. 

Partly, we have our approach to the issues have caused there to be two camps – we and them

Partly, we have not wrestled with the biblical understanding of sexuality and marriage

I am all for open discussion on this important aspect of life, sex, and marriage

But, to debate the issue seriously and truthfully, we must seek an honest picture of what our opponents actually believe 

Working from what we think they believe is neither helpful nor respectful.

We need to talk with them – listen to them

And, we need to have a good grasp on the truths that inform and make up the traditional, biblical Christian belief.

Let’s look briefly at the basic Christian beliefs involved in this “culture war”

  1. All humans are simultaneously sinful and loved.

All people, regardless of their story, are deeply and unconditionally loved by God, each created with profound dignity and worth, not one more than another. 

This is more than mere religious happy talk — it’s truth whether one is gay, straight, or otherwise. 

But, all people are also stricken with a terminal illness: sin. 

Everyone. 

No exceptions

And, sin is sin

Our sin demands our repentance and needs forgiveness, and God’s love and grace are where we find both. 

This is basic Christianity and the great equalizer of all people.

2. Jesus wasn’t silent on homosexuality.

Some claim Jesus never said anything about homosexuality and therefore is neutral on the topic. 

Not true. 

Jesus shows us that to understand sexuality, marriage and the sexual union, we must go back to the beginning and see how God created humanity and the purpose for creating things the way He did (See Matthew 19 and Mark 10.) 

Jesus holds up the creation story in Genesis not as a quaint Sunday school lesson, but as authoritative — reminding us that God created each of us male and female, each for the other. 

And the sexual union that God created and ordains is for husband and wife to come together in physical union, one flesh.

3. There is only one option – marriage between a male and a female

Both Jesus and all of scripture approve of no other sexual union then that between a husband and wife. 

This is the uncontested historical teaching of Judaism and Christianity, and it is not something that true Christianity is free to adjust with the times. 

Yes, concubines and multiple wives are found in the Bible, but doesn’t make them “biblical.” 

In fact, they violate the Genesis narrative Christ points us to.

4. Male and female complete God’s image on earth.

It is not just mere “traditionalism” that makes man and woman the norm for Christian marriage

When God said that it “is not good that the man be alone” (Genesis 2:18) He wasn’t lamenting that Adam didn’t have a buddy or was just lonely. 

He was saying that the male could not really know himself as male without a human “other” who equally shared his humanity but was meaningfully distinct right down to every bit of her DNA. 

The same is true for her in Adam. 

In both Jewish and Christian belief, both male and female become fully human in their correspondence and contrast with one another. 

This does not happen solely in marriage, but it does happen most profoundly and mysteriously in marriage.

5. Sex is indeed about babies.

It is a new and culturally peculiar idea that human sexuality is all about intimacy and pleasure, but not necessarily babies. 

Babies and reproduction matter. 

And sure, while not every male/female sexual engagement is toward having a baby — intimacy and pleasure matter as well

But, having babies has been the overwhelming norm and desire in nearly all marital relationships throughout time. 

It is a fact that same-sex unions will result in a human cul-de-sac. 

Heterosexual union reaches into and creates the next generation. 

To establish a sexual relationship without any interest in or openness to babies is contrary to God’s intention for such relationships.

6. Children have a right to a mother and father.

Every person ever born can track his origin to a mother and a father. 

There are no exceptions, including those artificially produced. 

This was the first command God gave to the first two humans: to come together and bring forth the coming generations of new divine image-bearers. 

Nearly all cultures in all places in the world at all historical times hold as fundamental that every child should be loved and raised by a mother and father. 

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes a mother and father as a basic right of every child.

7. Same-sex attraction is not a sin.

To be human is to have a disordered sexuality. You do. I do. Everyone does. 

We all have some manner of sexual drive that compels us to disobey God’s design for sexuality. 

But, while temptation is universal, it’s different from sin. 

Scripture tells us that Jesus was tempted in all ways as we are, but did not sin 

(Hebrews 4:15). 

Sexual sin is giving in to that desire in either mind or body. 

Faithful Christians cannot avoid temptation, but it strives to resist and master it with God’s help. 

Many are indeed same-sex attracted, but live obediently within a Christian sexual ethic. 

It can be difficult, as it is for heterosexuals who are required to live in celibacy. 

Christianity requires that we each subject our desires of the flesh and soul to our faith commitment 

And countless same-sex attracted believers do so willingly and joyfully.

8. Sexual intimacy is not a right.

Every Christian has limitations placed on his sexuality. 

For married Christians, it is exclusive to one’s spouse. 

For single, engaged, and divorced Christians, it is abstinence, no exceptions.

 Is it unfair for so many to be forced into a life that cannot know the wonder and beauty of physical intimacy just because marriage is not an option for them? 

Is it fair for a Christian to be stuck in a loveless marriage? 

Christians have long understood that fairness is not really the question. 

Sex is not a right, but a gift — and the Giver knows what is best for us.

9. Rewriting God’s rules is never an option.

One of the marks of a Christian is his or her desire to be obedient to Christ’s teaching. 

Certainly most of us would like to rewrite the scriptures to make life easier. 

I would change where Christ says that lust is the same as doing the deed…that lusting in the heart is the same as jumping into bed with a person

Christianity is a demanding faith. 

The scriptures define and change us, not the other way around. 

A biblical sexual ethic does not, indeed cannot, change with the times.

10. People are more than their sexuality.

To identify people by their sexuality is to reduce people to their sexuality. 

Every individual is so much more. 

A person’s inherent and undeniable value is rooted in his membership in humanity, not his specific sexual orientation

And standing up for a person’s rights based on their sexual preferences, desires, relationships, and behaviours – is simply not right because people are more than their sexuality

So, the Christian faith has a view of sex and sexuality based on God’s Word and the main points are:

1. All humans are simultaneously sinful and loved

2. Jesus wasn’t silent on homosexuality.

3. There is only one option – marriage between a male and a female

4. Male and female complete God’s image on earth.

5. Sex is indeed about babies.

6. Children have a right to a mother and father.

7. Same-sex attraction is not a sin.

8. Sexual intimacy is not a right.

9. Rewriting God’s rules is never an option.

10. People are more than their sexuality.

Kamshat – Campus Crusade for Christ, Kazakhstan

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Wanted to share the joy of starting fulfilling your prophesy over the ministry. It was tremendous the move of the Holy Spirit after your visit of my team and students. You remember a student said that he had visions before becoming a believer and he has them after. That night Ersultan and the rest of my team and some students cast out demons from that student for 3 hours. It was shocking the way demons reacted in him. Then yesterday we continued casting out the rest major 2 demons and a devil from him for 2 hours. Everyone saw visions and then we prayed over students to release speaking in tongues, after worshipped together and the room filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
It’s amazing the move of the Spirit which is a starting towards the fulfillment of your prophecy to the ministry of my team. Praise the Lord for His grace on us.

A DRINK BECOMES A RIVER

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There is something I want to share with you that has become very real to me in the last few weeks in my travels and the various places I have been ministering

There are a few scriptures that I would like to read and ask that you look them up in your Bible as well (different versions – but that is good)
I want to share about “A Drink Becomes a River”
THE DRINK – Salvation
Jesus is speaking to the woman at the well in John, chapter four (familiar story)

Read more

Church as Usual is Coming to an End – Part 1

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(and Prophetic Churches Must Emerge to Fill the Void) 

Around the world the Church, as we know it, is in trouble
In some places it is seriously dying – growing smaller every year
20% decline a year due to deaths, moves, and people leaving
So to remain steady at the same number of people annually need to grow 20%
In some places the Church has fallen into heresy – teachings that are not biblical
In some places there are what we call “man-made moves of God” where the churches are growing but it is by programs and hype, charismatic leaders who tickle ears
In some places the Church is growing quickly and attracting young people but these young people soon recognize that the structures and traditions are, in many ways,  hampering and hindering the flow of the Holy Spirit

Read more

Christian Humility

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C.S. Lewis stated, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” A good thought to dwell on for most Christians who, I am afraid, often spend a lot of time not only thinking about themselves but talking about themselves.

I believe humility is an essential quality for anyone who calls themselves a believer. And, a definite must for any Christian leader. In his book “Good to Great,” Jim Collins called this “a compelling modesty.” He write:

“We were struck by how the good-to-great leaders didn’t talk about themselves … When pressed to talk about themselves, they’d say things like, ‘I hope I’m not sounding like a big shot.’ It wasn’t just false modesty. Those who worked with or wrote about the good-to-great leaders continually used words like quiet, humble, modest, reserved, shy, gracious, mild-mannered, self-effacing, understated, did not believe his own clippings; and so forth.”

As a person of faith, I see humility as making the everyday choice to credit God for my blessings and to credit others for my successes. How would you describe it? Pastor Rick Warren said, “Humility is not denying your strengths. Humility is being honest about your weaknesses.” 

No matter who you define humility, know that it means three things. First, you possess self-awareness and can criticize yourself. Second, you are confident and comfortable enough that you don’t feel any need to draw attention to yourself. And third, you revel in the accomplishments of others and are eager to help them shine. 

Proverbs 15:31, 33 states (English Standard Version) “The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honour.”

The Passion Translation states it this way: 

“Accepting constructive criticism opens your heart to the path of life, making you right at home among the wise. The source of revelation-knowledge is found as you fall down in surrender before the Lord. Don’t expect to see Shekinah glory until the Lord sees your sincere humility.”

Humility is the key to wisdom and understanding. It is key to growing in the Lord. And, it is key to being a good believer and a terrific leader. Not to mention, being a good friend to others and having solid friends who will stand with you through life. 

Wisdom, Revelation and Understanding

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The Church that Jesus is building is built upon the ability to receive revelation. In Matthew 16 Jesus tells Peter that he, Peter, had received a direct revelation from the heart of our heavenly Father about who Jesus is. And, upon the ability to receive revelation that Jesus would build His Church. In other words, to build according to His plan and fulfill His purpose we must hear directly from the heart of God regarding each step that we take.

Matthew 16:17-18 “And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

I have been reading the book of Proverbs recently. It is speaking volumes to me as I am reading it in The Passion Translation. New ways to express familiar and established truths. And, it is hitting home. The writer of Proverbs states, “Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word he speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you.” (Probers 2:6 The Passion Translation).

Revelation – hearing the voice of God, the Holy Spirit, for today – gives us godly wisdom on how to live life. But, more than that He gives us wisdom regarding what steps to take to build the Church that Jesus is actively involved in, moving powerfully transforming lives on a daily basis. The revelations we receive that bring us wisdom will lead us further into understanding what He is wanting us to do next and even why He is wanting it done. 

Paul, the apostle who wrote a substantial portion of the New Testament, continues this theme in his letter to the church in Ephesus. Here he writes, “I pray that the Father of glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, would impart to you the riches of the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of revelation to know him through your deepening intimacy with him (Ephesians 1:17 The Passion Translation).

Paul is saying here that the deeper our intimate relationship with Jesus is the more revelation we will receive and the greater godly wisdom we will walk in. So, the key is to focus on and deepen our personal and intimate relationship with Jesus which all truly born again Christians have. And, as a result we will receive revelation which brings wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 1:17 “…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him…” (English Standard Version)

This is how the Church is to be built. The Church Jesus is building is not built by programming, worship teams, charismatic leaders, terrific preachers, or the best youth group on the planet. The Church Jesus is building is built step-by-step upon the revelation we receive as we walk closely and intimately with Jesus.

And, He only reveals the next step. There are no five year plans to build the Church. We are not a business and cannot build as the business world does. We simply listen, hear from Him what the next step is that we are to take, and then step out in faith and see what happens. No long  term plan built on good business practices. Location, location, location is not the key as some would have us believe. And, adequate parking is irrelevant. These are all worldly, business approaches to growth and success. These are not for the Church.

If we build as directed through revelation then God’s presence and the peace that passes all understanding will be present, available, and experienced. The power of God will be very evident as lives are changed and transformed. This is what we need. And, this is what we can have if we simply build an intimate relationship with the Head of the Church, Jesus. And, listening for His voice follow everything He says to us. Then we will be involved in the Church that He is building and no longer wasting our time and even our lives on building man’s ways – ending up with dead religion and even deader tradition. 

Something Is Happening

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In my local church the other night I thanked them for their commitment to pray for people during the week. During our fellowship time each week before worship we ask for needs that we can pray about. The list is getting longer. The needs are getting greater. However, one really wonderful change is the number of requests for prayer for people who are not saved or born again. Six months ago we were praying for one or two who needed to encounter God. Now we are praying for a dozen or more each week and the list is growing.

This is a major change in focus. A change from what we need and where we hurt to those who are outside the Church but not outside the reach of the love of God as found only in Jesus. Of course, praying is not enough and we know that. Along with praying for these people we are also speaking with them and looking for opportunities to touch their lives in practical ways so that they see the love of God in action. 

The Church, as we know, exists to “seek and save the lost” just as Jesus did (Luke 19:10). Jesus gave us only one focus and one command – “Go into all the world and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). This is why the Church exists. And, I am seeing changes happening in many of the areas where I am privileged to minister that are leading to the fulfilling of that command and task.  

Overseas, in the city of Kostanay, Kazakhstan there is a young man called Ivan. I met him recently when ministering in Nur-Sultan – the capital city of Kazakhstan. He is on fire for Jesus as are many of the youth in his local church. Recently they were out praying for a specific area of their city and witnessing to people about Jesus. Which, by the way, is not legal in their nation. On another day they went and cleaned up a local beach picking up garbage and then having a cook out as a youth group during which they prayed for the area. They are determined to change their country. So much so that they have also headed out to surrounding towns and cities to minister on the streets and speak to young people about Jesus.

In the city of Almaty, one of the young men I work with has opened a number of coffee shops in the university area as well as downtown. He is declaring Jesus in both the way the people are served as well as the decorations in each coffee shop. Many young people are coming in, enjoying the coffee and the atmosphere, and having an opportunity to hear about Jesus.

It is happening in many areas – I could give many examples from Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam… Something is happening! The Holy Spirit is moving and the Church is working with Him to expand the influence of the King and His Kingdom.

Continued prayer is required. 

Leaders, Who Should We Mentor? – Part Four

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We are looking at the qualities in a person you would like to see before agreeing to enter into a mentoring relationship with them. We have looked briefly at…

1> They make things happen

2> They see and seize opportunities

3> They influence others

4> They add value to those around them

5> They attract others (potential) leaders

6> They equip others

7> They provide inspiring ideas

8> They possess uncommonly positive attitudes

A good attitude is important to see in those you are going to mentor. It often determines how far you will be able to go in bringing them to maturity in the mentoring relationship. Never underestimate the importance of a positive attitude in those you are mentoring. When you travel in life with others, you can only go as fast as the slowest person and as far as the weakest one can travel. Having people around you with negative attitudes is like running a race with a ball and chain on your ankle. You may be able to run for a while, but you are going to get tired fast, and you certainly won’t be able to run as far as you would like.

I have learned this recently with a person that I have mentored for a number of years. Deep inside he is a very negative person. When he is really tired or frustrated this negativity comes out in a strong manner. But, it is there every day if you jus take the time to listen closely.  I thought and believed that through mentoring this tendency to being generally negative and at times strongly negative could be trained out of him. Maybe it can, but I have failed to do so. As a result, I have needed to terminate the mentoring relationship as it is not moving forward. He is not growing and developing and I am being drained emotionally and mentally.

9> They live up to their commitments

Commitment is giving the mentoring relationship everything the person has got. Commitment takes a person to a whole new level when it comes to being mentored and becoming a success in life and in ministry. 

Joe Griffith, a motivational speaker, is quoted as saying: “You cannot keep a committed person from success. Place stumbling blocks in his way, and he takes them for stepping-stones, and on them he will climb to greatness. Take away his money, and he makes spurs of his poverty to urge him on. The person who succeeds has a program; he fixes his course and adheres to it; he lays his plans and executes them; he goes straight to his goal. He is not pushed this side and that every time a difficulty is thrust in his way. If he can’t go over it, he goes through it.”

When the people you are mentoring share your level of commitment, the mentoring relationship will be a success. Commitment helps you overcome obstacles and continue moving forward on the journey no matter how tough the going gets. It is the key to success and progress in every aspect of life: marriage, business, personal development, hobbies, sports – you name it. Commitment can and does carry you a very long way when in a mentoring relationship. 

10> The last quality you should look for in people to mentor is loyalty. Although this alone does not ensure a great mentoring experience, a lack of loyalty is sure to ruin your mentoring relationship with them. Think of it this way: When you are looking for potential leaders to mentor, if someone you are considering lacks loyalty, he is disqualified. Don’t even consider trying to develop him, because in the end, he will hurt you more than help you. 

So, what does it mean for others to be loyal to you?

  • They love you unconditionally. They accept you with your strengths and weaknesses intact. They genuinely care for you, not just for what you can do for them. And they are neither trying to make you into someone you are not not putting you on a pedestal.
  • The represent you well to others. Loyal people always paint a positive picture of you with others. They may take you to task privately or hold you accountable, but they never criticize you to others.
  • They are able to laugh and cry with you as you travel together. Loyal people are willing and able to share your joys and sorrows. They make the trip less lonely.
  • They make your dream their dream. Some people will undoubtedly share the journey with you only briefly. You help one another for a while and then go your separate ways. But a few – a special few – will want to come alongside you and help you for the rest of the journey. These people make your dream their dream. They will be loyal unto death, and when they combine that loyalty with other talents and abilities, they can be some of your most valuable team members. If you find people like that, take good care of them.

The funny thing about loyalty is that the more successful you are, the more of an issue it becomes.

As you pick people to mentor, focus on people who will not only make the most of what you give in the mentoring relationship and, at the same time, help you. Pick people who will past it on. Mentoring is meant to be shared.