NFL Draft prospects have been busy proving themselves and showcasing their skills at the NFL Combine, as each one hopes to receive an opportunity to make an NFL roster.
The prospects are in their early 20s and trying to navigate the entire process of not only being drafted, but becoming a player that will have sustained success in the league. Each guy is working on his craft with personal trainers and coaches and doing his best to prepare for the next level.
Some of the draft hopefuls have been connected with current NFL veterans in order to be mentored and guided at this stage of uncertainty. A prospect has never experienced the combine...or faced questions from GMs...or dealt with the anticipation leading up to draft day. However, players who have gone before them are equipped to point them in the right direction and offer valuable wisdom.
Seahawks safety, Earl Thomas, has been mentoring projected first-round pick, Derwin James. James recently had this to say about his opportunity to learn from Thomas: "He's done it at a high level, he's played on the biggest stages so why not get great advice from a guy that is everything you're trying to be?"
A seasoned player like Thomas can have a tremendous impact on a younger player like James. Whether they spend time together working on mechanics or over dinner discussing the NFL process, Thomas' willingness to help James can make a difference in his career.
This model of mentorship is also crucial in our lives as followers of Jesus. We should always be looking to be discipled by someone with more experience and to disciple another person who can learn from us.
Each of us has so much to learn from those who are wiser and who have worthwhile lessons they want to share about their walk with the Lord. We, too, have plenty to offer those who are further behind in their journey of faith.
The key is being open to intentional growth from those we respect. By listening to their advice, we can avoid mistakes and implement their fruitful strategies.They can point out pitfalls that may lie ahead and provide scripture to help us during challenging times.
Asking questions and being open to both learning and teaching should be part of the mentorship/discipleship process. We get poured into...and then we pour into others.
In 1 Peter 5:5 (AMP), Peter writes this to the leaders of the church: "Likewise, you younger men , be subject to your elders ; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another , for God is opposed to the proud , but He gives grace to the humble.”
Humility is crucial if we want to be open to the counsel of others. It's an admission that we don't have all the answers and need guidance along the way. Likewise, humility is the starting point for us to be self-sacrificial with our time and open to walking alongside someone who needs our support.
Today, let’s seek God for opportunities to mentor and be mentored with the goal of “growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would lead me to someone who can mentor me and I can learn from. I also ask that You would use me to advise and disciple someone who needs me. Please remove any pride and doubt that prevent me from accepting either of these opportunities. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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