The Great Mentor

 This is a article I wrote that was published in the Army Weekly in Hawaii. I pray that the information given here will encourage you in your faith.

The NCO corp is built upon the principle that in order to succeed and move up in rank one must show that they are ready for the roll of leadership. The same is true within the officer corp.  In order to be prepared for command, one must learn from those that model good command discipline. As a chaplain, I too have to learn my role and responsibilities from the examples set by those appointed over me. I am suggesting that the need for mentorship is the key to preparing the next generation for leadership positions.

Proverbs 15:22 says “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” This verse does not say, that those who advise or counsel have the responsibility to seek out those in need of advice and counsel. It says plans fail for lack of counsel. Meaning that if you are in need of advice or counsel it would be wise to seek out a mentor so that you can learn how to succeed in life, work, and spiritual growth. Stating the principles of leadership does nothing if the practice of that principle is not seen in our leaders.

Asking for advice from leaders is not something I see our young Soldiers and young officers doing very often. What I do see are Soldiers and young officers making mistakes that could have been avoided.  I believe this happens because there is a communication breakdown. As leaders, we are so focused on missions set before us that we may have built a barrier making it difficult for Soldiers, in need of counsel and advice, to approach us.

This same concept is also true, when we as people get so focus on our lives, careers, and families that we fail to seek the counsel of the great mentor. The only difference is He is not the one who has placed a barrier up. If you are in need of advice or counsel, know that you can always seek out counsel from your heavenly Father. He is waiting for you to approach Him with your burdens, stress, issues, confessions, and supplications. His response will never be: is this really important right now, can this wait for a better time; He is waiting on you to seek Him out, so He can be one of your advisors. The proverb says with many advisors your plans will succeed. If you are in need of help with your plans and do not feel you are worthy to seek out advice from God please seek out a chaplain for we are here to help nurture you in your faith.