“Emotions often get minimized in discipleship, but they’re just as important as thinking. Renewing our mind in God’s tender mercy includes dealing with our thoughts and feelings (Rom. 12:1-2). . . . When we integrate feeling and thinking our Christian doctrines inspire us to dance with Jesus as we serve in his Kingdom of Love!”- Bill and Kristi Gaultiere
“There is no avoiding the fact that we live at the mercy of our ideas. This is never more true than with our ideas about God.”- Dallas Willard
In Chapter 4 (“The H Stage: Help in Discipleship”) of Journey of the Soul, Bill and Kristi Gaultiere discuss the focus of the H Stage. The focus of this stage centers on an ambassador for Christ’s care and guidance. This mentor ministers God’s friendship and wisdom.
Yet, as Bill illustrates, willpower alone always falls short. Some years ago, Bill did a mini-triathlon. Because he swam slowly, he pounded the pedals when he got to the bike ride. Three times he passed lots of bikers. And three times his chain fell off. So, after Bill passed the same bikers for the third time, one rider exclaimed, “Man, you’re strong . . . but stupid!”
Also, in retirement one man set out to read the entire Bible in one month. Therefore, in twelve years he read the whole Bible 144 times. And then he died. So, the man’s strong will for reading the Bible failed to make him like Jesus. Strong but stupid, the man kept getting through the Bible. However, he didn’t let the Bible get through him. As we read in 1 Timothy 4:7, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”
In conclusion, Bill notes, being mentored represents the H in Help in Discipleship. For, the author underscores, every Christian needs an older Christian to mentor them and a younger Christian they’re teaching.
Today’s question: In you discipleship training, who do you most value as a mentor? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A special light to shine – given by Jesus”
