Empowering Generations Through Mentorship and Legacy
Summary
In today's discussion, we delved into the pressing crisis facing men in our society, particularly the absence of strong male figures in many homes. This absence has a ripple effect, impacting discipline, economics, education, and even the criminal justice system. The lack of mentorship is a significant factor contributing to these issues. Reflecting on my own life, I was fortunate to have mentors like my father and other influential men who guided me in discipline, responsibility, and hope. The concept of a "self-made man" is a myth; everyone has had help along the way, whether from a parent, teacher, coach, or friend.
The qualities that attract mentors include a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the ability to get along with others. Volunteering and a willingness to learn also set individuals apart. These traits often stem from foundational training received from family, church, or community. It's crucial to think generationally, as illustrated in the Old Testament with God being the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We must consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations, ensuring we pass on a baton worth carrying.
Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the opportunities and expectations set by my mentors, which have shaped who I am today. The hope and encouragement I received were pivotal in my development. In turn, I am filled with joy and gratitude for the chance to impact others positively, knowing that the influence of my mentors continues to ripple through my life and the lives of those I touch.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Crisis of Absent Mentors: The absence of strong male figures in many homes leads to a cascade of societal issues, from discipline to economic challenges. Mentorship is crucial in filling this gap, providing guidance and support that can alter life trajectories. [00:39]
2. The Myth of the Self-Made Man: No one achieves success alone. Everyone has had help from mentors, whether they are parents, teachers, or friends. Recognizing this interdependence is vital for personal growth and humility. [01:42]
3. Qualities That Attract Mentors: A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the ability to get along with others are key traits that attract mentors. These qualities often stem from foundational training received from family and community. [02:09]
4. Thinking Generationally: Like the biblical lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we must consider the legacy we leave for future generations. Passing on a baton worth carrying ensures the continuation of positive influence and growth. [02:30]
5. The Power of Opportunity and Hope: Opportunities and expectations set by mentors can significantly shape an individual's life. The hope and encouragement received from mentors are pivotal in personal development and success. [03:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:24] - Introduction to the Crisis
- [00:39] - The Impact of Absent Fathers
- [01:06] - The Role of Mentorship
- [01:30] - Personal Mentorship Experiences
- [01:42] - The Myth of the Self-Made Man
- [01:56] - Qualities That Attract Mentors
- [02:09] - The Importance of Volunteering
- [02:20] - Generational Thinking
- [02:30] - Passing the Baton
- [02:53] - The Power of Opportunity
- [03:09] - Gratitude for Mentorship
- [03:26] - Building on Foundations
- [03:38] - Mutual Influence and Growth
- [04:14] - Closing Reflections
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
2. 2 Timothy 2:2 - "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
3. Genesis 17:7 - "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."
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Observation Questions:
1. What societal issues are mentioned in the sermon as being affected by the absence of strong male figures in homes? [01:06]
2. According to the sermon, what are some qualities that attract mentors to individuals? [02:09]
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of a "self-made man"? [01:42]
4. What does the sermon suggest about thinking generationally, and how is this illustrated with a biblical example? [02:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the absence of mentorship contribute to the societal issues mentioned in the sermon, and what role does mentorship play in addressing these issues? [01:06]
2. In what ways does the sermon challenge the idea of a "self-made man," and how does this perspective encourage humility and interdependence? [01:42]
3. How do the qualities that attract mentors, as discussed in the sermon, relate to the biblical principle of iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17)? [02:09]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of leaving a legacy, and how does this connect to the biblical lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? [02:30]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Have you experienced the impact of absent mentors or strong male figures? How has this shaped your personal development? [01:06]
2. Identify a mentor in your life who has significantly influenced you. What qualities did you possess that attracted them to mentor you, and how can you cultivate these qualities further? [02:09]
3. Consider the idea of a "self-made man" being a myth. How can acknowledging the help you've received from others change your perspective on success and humility? [01:42]
4. How can you actively think generationally in your own life, ensuring that you pass on a positive legacy to future generations? What steps can you take to start this process? [02:30]
5. Reflect on the opportunities and expectations set by mentors in your life. How have these shaped your current path, and how can you offer similar opportunities to others? [03:09]
6. In what ways can you volunteer or engage with your community to develop the qualities that attract mentors, as discussed in the sermon? [02:09]
7. How can you be a mentor to someone else, and what specific actions can you take to provide hope and encouragement to them, as your mentors have done for you? [03:09]
Devotional
Day 1: The Crisis of Absent Mentors
In many homes today, the absence of strong male figures has led to a cascade of societal issues, affecting everything from discipline to economic stability. This lack of mentorship leaves a void that can significantly alter life trajectories. Mentors provide guidance, support, and a model for behavior that can help individuals navigate life's challenges. The presence of a mentor can be the difference between a life of struggle and one of success. Recognizing the importance of mentorship can inspire us to seek out and become mentors ourselves, filling the gaps left by absent figures. [00:39]
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from your guidance and support as a mentor? How can you take a step today to offer that mentorship?
Day 2: The Myth of the Self-Made Man
The idea of a "self-made man" is a myth, as no one achieves success alone. Everyone has had help along the way, whether from a parent, teacher, coach, or friend. Recognizing this interdependence is vital for personal growth and humility. Acknowledging the role of others in our success can lead to a deeper appreciation for the community and relationships that have shaped us. It also encourages us to extend the same support to others, fostering a culture of mutual aid and growth. [01:42]
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the people who have helped you along your journey. How can you express gratitude to them today, and how can you pay it forward to someone else?
Day 3: Qualities That Attract Mentors
A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the ability to get along with others are key traits that attract mentors. These qualities often stem from foundational training received from family, church, or community. By cultivating these traits, individuals can open doors to valuable relationships and opportunities for growth. Volunteering and a willingness to learn further set individuals apart, demonstrating a commitment to personal development and community service. [02:09]
"Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29, ESV)
Reflection: What qualities do you possess that could attract a mentor? How can you actively develop these traits in your daily life?
Day 4: Thinking Generationally
Like the biblical lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we must consider the legacy we leave for future generations. Thinking generationally involves passing on a baton worth carrying, ensuring the continuation of positive influence and growth. This perspective encourages us to live with intention, making choices that will benefit not only ourselves but also those who come after us. By focusing on the long-term impact of our actions, we can contribute to a legacy of faith, hope, and love. [02:30]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)
Reflection: What legacy do you want to leave for the next generation? What steps can you take today to begin building that legacy?
Day 5: The Power of Opportunity and Hope
Opportunities and expectations set by mentors can significantly shape an individual's life. The hope and encouragement received from mentors are pivotal in personal development and success. By providing opportunities and setting high expectations, mentors can inspire others to reach their full potential. This influence creates a ripple effect, as those who have been mentored go on to mentor others, spreading hope and encouragement throughout their communities. [03:09]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create opportunities for someone else today? What words of hope and encouragement can you offer to inspire them?
Quotes
you know marty one of my big burdens today in life and in what i do ministry is the crisis that men are facing today on a whole lot of levels no question you know um i see it myself yeah i know it it's it's kind of everywhere it's cultural unfortunately we have a lot of boys that are not being exposed to good men because the man is not in the home for one reason or another unfortunately so they're not getting that input and that affects discipline that affects economics when you have single parents who have uh by and large women who are having to raise all of these boys if it affects education uh it affects criminal justice it just it just snowballs you know [00:39:55]
and one of the things that i think is missing is the idea of mentorship you know you know i got mentoring from my father i got mentoring and direction from you i had men in my life who spoke into my life disciplined and responsibility and family and and hope i've heard the expression self-made man but i've never met one i don't anybody who's ever made it on their own without somebody helping them whether it be a teacher your parents a wonderful friend coach boss yeah neighbor somebody has helped you climb that ladder of success but what is it that makes somebody wants to help you [01:26:08]
your attitude your work ethic your ability to get along with people um volunteering um you don't see a lot of that today and those young people who do that they stand out because they have some wonderful training somewhere in their life like in your life with your family your mother your father the church all these things have helped mowed a person and to get people thinking generationally you know you know in the old testament is that god says i'm the god of abraham isaac and jacob that's three generations right there we got to be just not thinking about ourselves but what is the future going to look like [02:06:07]
because we're passing something on we got a baton here because if we drop it the race is over so we want to pass the baton so that this race keeps going around and we don't lose out because we're not passing something on worth having when you gave me my first shot from a working perspective my father had a great foundation but you gave me an opportunity with a standard with an expectation and with the hope that i could be more in this realm it changed the trajectory of my life for who i am now and what i'm doing now and i will never forget [02:41:36]
that that that offer of hope expectation and opportunity all came together to help build on something that was laid but that you were able to build on from my life and i will forever be grateful for that input influence impact that you provided me that has allowed me to be what i am today and do what i'm doing today tony just the opposite i've gained so much from knowing you from watching you grow to see what you've accomplished in your life to see the meaningful way you have affected many other people's lives and they feel and they have you tell me that i'm a part of that [03:22:52]
you have filled me with such pleasure such joy it fills me up with tears in my eyes unfortunately i hate to do this to you but i'm so proud of you i'm so thankful that god gave me the privilege and the opportunity to be a part of your life and to know that our friendship hasn't stopped and continues to grow and thank you very much for your privilege to know you and be a part of your family thank you did you go with the kissing again [04:05:59]
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