The word “coach” derives from the horse-drawn coaches that were developed in the town of Kocs during the fifteenth century. The vehicles were originally used to transport royalty, but in time they also carried valuables, mail, and common passengers. “A coach” contains something, or someone, who carries a valued person from where they are to where they want to be.

In other cultures and languages, coaches are known by many different names and titles.
In Japan, a “sensei” is one who has gone farther down the path. In martial arts, it is a designation for a master.
In Sanskrit, a “guru” is one with great knowledge and wisdom. “Gu” means darkness, and “ru” means light‚ a guru takes someone from darkness into the light.
In Tibet, a “lama” is one with spirituality and authority to teach. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is the highest-ranking teacher.
In Italy, a “maestro” is a master teacher of music. It is short for “maestro di-cappella” meaning master of the chapel.
In France, a “tutor” is a private teacher. The term dates to the fourteenth century and refers to one who served as a watchman.
In England, a “guide” is one who knows and shows the way. It denotes the ability to see and point out the better course.
In Greece, a “mentor” is a wise and trusted advisor. In The Odyssey, Homer’s Mentor was a protective and supportive counselor.
All these words describe the same role: one who goes before and shows the way.

If we don’t listen to mentors we have to learn from mistakes. Mentors teach us a lesson before we get burned, mistakes teach us a lesson after we get burned. Some people don’t even learn from their mistakes. To those who claim to only learn from the Master Jesus you must understand that even Jesus submitted to His parents. He honored men like John the Baptist, and His life was always submitted to His Father. People were amazed at Jesus’ authority, but the secret to that authority was living under authority.

According to research by social psychologist, Dr. David McClelland of Harvard, the people with whom you habitually associate with are called your “reference group.” These people determine as much as 95 percent of your success or failure in life. You are the same today that you are going to be in five years from now. The only two determining factors that can change are the people with whom you associate and the books you read.

Nobody is a whole chain. Each person is a link. But take away one link and the chain is broken. Nobody is a whole team. Each person is a player. But take away one player and the game is forfeited. Nobody is a whole orchestra. Each person is a musician. But take away one musician and the symphony is incomplete.

You guessed it. We need each other. You need someone and someone needs you. Isolated islands are not successful. To make this thing called life work, we gotta learn to support each other. To relate and respond. To give and take. To confess and forgive. To reach out and embrace. And to release and rely upon.

Since none of us are whole, independent, self-sufficient, super-capable, all-powerful hotshots, let’s quit acting like we are. Life’s lonely enough without playing that silly role.

Joshua needed Moses. David needed Samuel. Elisha needed Elijah. Disciples needed Jesus. Timothy needed Paul. We all need each other and we need others who will help and direct us, to shape our character, and protect us from pride and foolishness. Learn to honor your mentors, listen to your advisors, or you will end up learning from your mistakes.

Thanks for reading

This blog was written by Vladimir Savchuk.

Pastor Vlad is the lead pastor of Hungry Generation Church, an author of “Break Free” and “Single, Ready to Mingle” and a founder of free online school “Vlad’s School.” To download free e-books, sermon series, small group study guides go to vladimirsavchuk.com