The latest episode of Spiritual Talk brought to light an essential aspect of faith that many overlook—the role of people in shaping our spiritual journey. Pieter had a discussion with Bennie Jonker about The Power of Influence in Faith: A Deep Dive into Spiritual Growth. From childhood to adulthood, the people we surround ourselves with significantly impact our beliefs, choices, and direction in life.
Faith Is Not a Solo Journey
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the idea that faith cannot thrive in isolation. While personal devotion and attending church services are important, they are not enough on their own. Spiritual growth is a collective process, shaped by the people who mentor, encourage, and guide us.
Many people don't realize how much they are influenced by those around them. The foundation of faith often starts in Sunday school, continues through youth groups, and is further developed in adulthood. Every stage of spiritual formation involves interaction with others who play a role—whether positively or negatively.
The conversation highlighted how even a single moment of encouragement can change a person’s faith journey. Sometimes, it takes just one invitation, one word of support, or one mentor’s guidance to shift someone’s entire perspective on faith. This cycle continues as those who have been helped often go on to assist others in their own walk with God.
The Importance of Role Models
Children and young adults naturally seek role models. Whether within their families, church communities, or broader society, they look up to individuals who shape their behavior and aspirations. But the challenge lies in choosing the right role models. A positive influence can inspire and build character, while a toxic influence can lead someone down a destructive path.
The conversation referenced 1 Corinthians 12, which describes the church as a body—a structure where no individual can function in isolation. Just as a physical body requires all parts to work together, so does a spiritual community. This principle reinforces the need for strong role models who can provide both guidance and accountability.
However, role models are not perfect, and expecting them to be flawless can lead to disappointment. A key takeaway was that mentors, leaders, and influencers will make mistakes, and when they do, they should not be abandoned but supported. Their failures do not erase the wisdom they have shared, but rather, highlight the reality that everyone is human.
Choosing the Right Mentor
The discussion also focused on how to identify a good mentor. While there are no fixed rules, there are essential qualities to consider:
A mentor should have good intentions and a genuine concern for your well-being.
They should be someone you can trust with your vulnerabilities.
True mentorship involves both encouragement and correction—not just words of motivation but also honest guidance when mistakes are made.
One of the biggest challenges in mentorship is accepting constructive criticism. Many people struggle to handle correction, but it is a crucial part of growth. A good mentor doesn’t just offer support; they also help shape character by pointing out areas that need improvement.
Another key insight was that mentorship should be seen as a two-way process. Just as one receives guidance, they will eventually be in a position to guide others. The mentorship cycle continues as those who have been shaped by their mentors pass on their knowledge and experiences to the next generation.
Why Many People Stop Going to Church
One of the most thought-provoking points raised was the emotional and spiritual wounds that drive people away from church. Many individuals leave because of personal hurts, conflicts, or unmet expectations within the church community.
However, faith is not about expecting a perfect church experience. People often accept imperfections in other areas of life—such as their workplace, government, or even customer service—but when it comes to church, even minor issues can push them away. The discussion emphasized that church is not about flawless execution but about a shared faith journey.
This is where mentorship and strong faith-based relationships play a vital role. A good mentor can help someone navigate difficult seasons, encourage healing, and provide perspective during times of disappointment.
Failure as a Building Block
Another critical theme in the conversation was the fear of failure—a common struggle that prevents people from stepping out in faith. Many individuals avoid risks because they are afraid of making mistakes. However, failure is not the end of the road; it is often the foundation for growth. Every setback presents an opportunity to learn, adapt, and move forward in a better direction.
Success is not built purely on positive experiences; challenges and hardships are just as important in shaping a person’s character. A strong mentor not only encourages people to pursue their faith but also helps them process failure as part of the journey rather than the end of it.
The True Purpose of Mentorship
Ultimately, mentorship is more than just motivational words or quick fixes. It is about guiding people through their struggles, helping them rebuild when they feel broken, and providing wisdom that enables them to make better choices.
True mentorship isn’t about making someone dependent, but rather empowering them to grow, develop resilience, and eventually become a mentor to someone else. Sometimes, mentorship is as simple as offering a conversation, a listening ear, or a cup of coffee when someone needs support.
The conversation concluded with a powerful reminder: when everything feels like it’s falling apart, it’s not necessarily the end—it could be the beginning of something new.
Spiritual Talk is a weekly live discussion broadcast every Wednesday on The Go-To Guy platform. Each week, Pieter welcomes a new guest to explore a deep spiritual topic—straightforward, honest, and relevant to today's believers. Be sure to tune in for the next episode and share your thoughts with us!
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