“ However, they continually point mentees back to Christ’s potential, the one who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20) in spite of our sin and frailty. “
In our weaknesses, we can rest assured because of the strength of Christ available to keep moving ✅
I enjoyed reading this. It encapsulates that idea that we are the clay and God is the potter. Believing in yourself means little if you do not believe in the object of your faith or the goal you are running after.
I believe an alternative to mentoring, as it is popularly described in the secular world, is a gospel-centred approach called discipleship. Here, the standard is Christ. The disciple is raised to become like Christ (essentially because it is His life we live now, not ours). It is also easier to draw the lines between the biblical curriculum and that of the world.
However, I believe that we must not ignore the talents God has given us to do great things for His kingdom. We must only be weary of trusting in our ability to use them. They must be discovered, developed, and maximized, but we must trust the leading of the Holy Spirit in living them out. Otherwise, we could get entangled with selfish ambitions or even find ourselves succeeding in another man's business. Proverbs 3 says that we should acknowledge God in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.
“The Strengths and Shortcomings of MOODY Mentors: What Morpheus, Obi-Wan, Oprah, Dumbledore, and Yoda Can and Can’t Teach Us” -- a new book from Dr. Matthew Doebler, out this spring. 😁
Between your Substack and Jason Jonker’s, my mentoring cup--as it pertains to those in addiction and recovery--is filled to the brim. That Colossians 1:29 verse is a gem. Thanks, Matt!
This stood out to me and is very true:
“ However, they continually point mentees back to Christ’s potential, the one who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20) in spite of our sin and frailty. “
In our weaknesses, we can rest assured because of the strength of Christ available to keep moving ✅
I enjoyed reading this. It encapsulates that idea that we are the clay and God is the potter. Believing in yourself means little if you do not believe in the object of your faith or the goal you are running after.
This is a great write up.
Especially the part about the hubris of self help and believing in yourself.
Being a personal development junkie myself, it's a reminder to learn how to balance turning to God for help and also putting in action necessarily.
Thanks.
I believe an alternative to mentoring, as it is popularly described in the secular world, is a gospel-centred approach called discipleship. Here, the standard is Christ. The disciple is raised to become like Christ (essentially because it is His life we live now, not ours). It is also easier to draw the lines between the biblical curriculum and that of the world.
However, I believe that we must not ignore the talents God has given us to do great things for His kingdom. We must only be weary of trusting in our ability to use them. They must be discovered, developed, and maximized, but we must trust the leading of the Holy Spirit in living them out. Otherwise, we could get entangled with selfish ambitions or even find ourselves succeeding in another man's business. Proverbs 3 says that we should acknowledge God in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.
Great write-up, Matt.
“The Strengths and Shortcomings of MOODY Mentors: What Morpheus, Obi-Wan, Oprah, Dumbledore, and Yoda Can and Can’t Teach Us” -- a new book from Dr. Matthew Doebler, out this spring. 😁
Between your Substack and Jason Jonker’s, my mentoring cup--as it pertains to those in addiction and recovery--is filled to the brim. That Colossians 1:29 verse is a gem. Thanks, Matt!