What Are You Teaching and Learning Along The Way

What the hell does that even mean? Along the way away to what? Who even cares? Will anybody read this message, or will it be just noise in the blast of millions of bits of information for people to consume that it will be “lost”? 

I think especially today my message, this message has value. Because its not just my message. It’s a message based on biblical principals and those are universal.  

If you are this far into reading or listening to this message then you are farther long than 99% of people. Yahoo. Now it is time to possibly get rid of .5% because this message is about faith and targets men. Women will find value too but as a man, I do not claim to be an expert or have expertise into the issue of womanhood.

If you are young you might be thinking “Old man why should I listen to you, you can not relate to anything I am going through.” Not true is my response. The issues facing our male youth are not that different, it is how they deal with it and the guidance they have that makes this a tragic time for males in society. 

Growing up from teenage to early adulthood to mature men is still a process and the issues that males face are mainly the same. Pressure to perform; at home, athletically, at school, decision-making; should I ditch this class, drink this beer, take this shot, separate myself from this activity, dealing with disappointment and failure; romantic breakups, not getting hired for a job, losing games, people and friends. Dealing with these challenges is not new but for today’s male youth there isn’t enough positive guidance to assist these soon to be men in navigating these challenges. 

A group of men who learn from one another

I thought you said this was about faith. It is; a little known passage, Proverbs 15:31 “He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” Combined with Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of a man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps” That is our thesis. Think on that for a minute. 

The idea that a smart man will listen and receive reproof which also means taking being reprimanded, disciplined or corrected will live or be associated with wise people serves as a powerful metaphor for personal growth. These passages illustrate how being open to coaching, learning will make us better and combining that with plans that flow from that learning will be God lead. 

1. Mutual Growth – Openness to coaching, instruction even when it means being corrected when you’re thinking is wrong provides a positive direction. A good mentor helps their mentee grow by offering guidance and constructive feedback. At the same time, mentors themselves continue to develop through teaching and learning from their mentees. This reciprocal relationship ensures both parties refine their skills, perspectives and growth in wisdom.

2. Challenge and Encouragement – Effective mentorship is not about simply giving answers but about challenging and inspiring growth. A strong mentor encourages their mentee to push past limitations, develop resilience, and refine their abilities—growing and surround themselves with wisdom, sound thinking and spiritual decision-making. 

3. Accountability and Character Building – A mentor holds their mentee accountable, helping them stay disciplined and focused. Positive mentorship involves solid thinking, shaping character, confidence, and ethical decision-making through biblical guidance.

4. Strengthening Through Support – Acquiring wisdom and sound spiritual planning is not a one time procedure but a process, a daily ritual and conscious action. A mentor corrects or reproofs their mentee not by tearing them down but by providing constructive criticism, support, and wisdom.

In essence, positive mentorship is a process where both individuals become stronger, wiser, and more capable—so that plans for moving forward are logical and God lead.