Choose Your Mentor Well

by John C. Maxwell 


“And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?’ Elisha said, ‘Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.’ So he said, ‘You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.’” 2 Kings 2:9-10

Every leader needs mentors, especially emerging leaders. God took Elisha through the preparation necessary under Elijah. Note several principles outlined in 1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 2 underlying his preparation:


Elisha's Preparation: He was anointed to replace Elijah. 
Leadership Principle: Leaders must understand their call and roll.

Elisha's Preparation: Elisha touched Elijah's mantle long before he entered his ministry.
Leadership Principle: Leaders must wait patiently on God's perfect timing for their authority.

Elisha's Preparation: He burned his farming tools.         
Leadership Principle: Leaders must surrender former ambitions.

Elisha's Preparation: He stuck with Elijah wherever he went.      
Leadership Principle: Leaders must pursue good mentors.

Elisha's Preparation: He absorbed all he could from Elijah. 
Leadership Principle: Leaders must hunger to grow and develop.


Culled from: The Maxwell Leadership Bible.