Mentorship: A Guide to Living a Life that Pleases the Lord

By Courtnaye Richard –

Today, in our modern society as young women, we have so much pulling at us. We have the pressure of the world and flesh weighing in on us to be successful, prestigious, secure, fashionable, sexy, famous, interesting, accepted, loved and appreciated by those closest to us, and the list could literally go on. But on the other end of the spectrum, there’s the fight and desire to live a life that truly pleases the Lord. Yet, how does one find the proper balance? Over time, I’ve discovered that we simply cannot do this alone. We need the help of older women through godly mentorship.

As I watch the news, Google, YouTube, and social media, I am discovering more and more young women who love the Lord yet, are ensnared by the enemy of this world and the affairs of this life. For instance, the club life, dating, fornication, drugs, alcohol, wearing sexy clothes, listening to and embracing worldly music artists and even committing adultery…yet still profess Christianity. Oops, did I say that? Yes, because it’s true in our society and age. Yet, the question I must raise in this last hour is…where are the godly mentors? Where are the older women in the church, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and the community who can stand up and help the younger generation live out the truth?

The Bible says in Titus 2:4-5, “These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” And 1 Timothy 2:9-10 says, “And I want women to be modest in their appearance…For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.”

I write this to say, that there is a great need for more godly women mentorship more now than ever. I am concerned that without it, many young women will become more and more deceived and desensitized to this way of living and not be ready for the soon return of Christ. First Thessalonians 4:17-18 says, “Then together with them, we who are still alive and remain on earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever. So comfort each other with these words.”

But there is also caution in Galations 5:19-21 (NLT), “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (Emphasis added)

So you see here, we cannot profess to be Christians, yet still live a life of habitual sin and assume that we are living a life that pleases the Lord. It’s an oxymoron and we’re only kidding ourselves if we think that God is okay with it. His word is written and repentance is required (Read 1 John 1:9). That’s why we need strong Christian older women who will arise and position themselves to be readily available to help the younger women live a life that is on fire for our Lord.

I am speaking not only from passion, but from experience. I am a product of godly mentorship. Quite frankly, I was actually a spiritual mess without it. I remember hanging out in the clubs, going to happy hour for a few drinks with friends, having sex when I wasn’t married, yet all the while, singing in the choir on Sunday morning (after hanging in the clubs all night), going to women’s ministry bible studies, writing for the church’s newsletter, and cursing like a sailor when I was angry. Until one day, the Lord woke me up and showed me that I was living a life that was not pleasing to Him. I needed change…I needed a mentor.

Through prayer, God sent me one… a true woman of noble character (read Proverbs 31). And not only did she walk through life with me by means of late night chats, prayer, counsel, and the Word of God, but she also lived the life of Christianity before me. As my mentor, she exemplified genuine godly character in her marriage, motherhood, friendships, ministry, speech, and deed. Actually, due to her influence & guidance, I can truly say that our relationship has helped change and shape my life for the better.

Today, at 35, I am now a woman in ministry helping other young adult women and youth girls to live a life that pleases the Lord. But I would’ve never been able to do this without the help of those older women who have gone through before me. So I challenge you reading this article right now. If you are a younger woman, pray and ask God to lead you to a true godly woman to help mentor you in your life as a growing Christian. Furthermore, search out blogs, conferences, music, movies, social media outlets and friends that will enrich your life for Christ. And if you are an older woman, whether a mother, aunt, grandmother, pastor’s wife, minister, community advocate, blogger, author, Facebook or Twitter lover…I encourage you to allow your godly influence to shine as a beacon of light for this generation…because you are needed in the field. Selah.

May God bless you as you go higher in Him!

For more information on Courtnaye’s blog, devotionals, or to be encouraged, you can visit her site at: www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org. You can also follow her on Twitter at inoutwcourtnaye, and visit her Facebook page at Inside Out with Courtnaye. She can be reached at:  insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com.