There is only one great spiritual teacher – the Holy Spirit living in the heart of the student. This understanding is the key to becoming a true mentor in the lives of others. We strengthen the well-being of others when we repeatedly lead them back to that Teacher who lives in their heart.
Have you ever noticed how Jesus taught? The tone of His teaching wasn’t, “I am going to tell you what I know.” More often He acted as if His listeners already knew the truth. He had a gracious way of including us in the truth He taught. He would say things like, “which of you doesn’t already know this” or “do you not know?” or “you already know the truth, but I’ll remind you.”
It’s not that He addressed the scholarly. He often spoke to the common man, to whom the scriptures weren’t readily available for study. I believe Jesus used this approach to remind us that God’s truth is written on our heart and within the very fabric of His creation. He didn’t flaunt His knowledge, position or authority. Instead, He dignified His Father and His creatures by pointing us to the source of all true knowing… Christ in us. He reminded us “be still and know” what we already inherently know. His teaching style was intentionally reinforcing His kingdom!
Positions of authority are valid and essential; but the most fertile use of authority is for the growth and empowerment of those who are under it. Anything less is abusive by nature and fosters a dependency on man instead of God.
Effective teachers and mentors multiply True Authority by remaining equal with all men. In so doing, each is elevated to their full stature in Christ, He alone is glorified, and all men are drawn to Him.