JR Woodward :: Blog :: Spiritual Mentoring Part VI

I'm continuing to review Keith Anderson and Randy Reese's book entitled  Spiritual Mentoring.
I will go chapter by chapter sharing a short paragraph of what I
gleaned, what was important to me.

CHAPTER FIVE
The mentoree’s role is active and requires a responsiveness and teachability to the Holy Spirit and the mentor.  To grow in responsiveness the mentoree must undergo a sense of purification in order to be more united with God.  This happens as one “clears away the debris”, “removes distractions” and “avoids detours.”  This happens when we know God, ourselves and the dangers of our world better; and this happens when we respond to God, who is always initiating with us.  A wise mentor understands how to lead people through the dark night of the soul, recognizing the dark nights often mean movement toward the bright light of God’s presence.  John of the Cross gives a helpful list of “imperfections commonly found in beginners” that is worth remembering and studying:  “They develop spiritual pride; know more than they practice; though spiritually motivated, they remain unchanged; they become spiritual superior and judgmental of others; they deify the experience of God; measure their spiritual progress by their experience; compete for spiritual progress with others; lack perseverance and grow weary of spiritual disciplines; and are unwilling to ‘count the cost.’”