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As I am at the computer I just started to reflect upon my life. I have made so many mistakes until it is not funny. Through all my mistakes God has chosen to use them for his glory through me. While I was in the midst of the crazy times, I thought that my word was coming to an end. But God saw fit to bring me through. I stand in awe.
Truth be told, I have done a terrible job at honoring God. He has been so awesome to me while I have defiled his love and respect. he has given me so many avenues and chances but I have failed him at every turn. Then I read Romans 8:28 that says that it all works for my good in the end. This is a remarkable thing because I know for sure in that if it was based upon my own works I would not deserve his love. But thanks be to God for sending his son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins.
I write this as a reflection of repentance before God. Not as any surprise but as a ode of appreciation. For the last five years I have failed to reach the lost and start the purpose that you placed in my heart. I have made all kinds of excuses to why I can’t complete the task. I have been influenced at times by something others than your word, Father. I repent before you and ask that you place a high level of accountability before me. My life is nothing and useless without you. I have not shared the gospel with consistency but have chosen to be puffed up with knowledge. I have not loved those you have placed in my life like you have instructed. This day father I repent ask for your divine help and guidance. I can’t make it without your love. I just can’t make it without your love. Simple and plain I just can’t make it without your love. Everyone else may leave but will you please stay……
The dialogue that takes place on blogs is one of remarkable fashion. I have been a part of major discussion and read major discussion from many blogs. Whether about racism, homosexuality, Calvinism or tithing there is room for a constructive debate. I just had a debate with some coworkers who are Christians about their stance that truth is relative. Which is easy target practice?
My point is that I provided proof text, after proof text to no avail. They still had the same mindset that was there before we started the conversation. I marveled at the fact they the held to their guns though from a scriptural standpoint they had no backing. Then I began to see the importance of the Holy Spirit in times like these. My pride and indignation started to rise because they were not getting what I was saying. I was slamming them with all that I knew but nothing was changing.
Why was I giving them proof text? Was I trying to bring my spiritual sword play to the debate in order to smash or was my heart really crying for them to understand truth. I quickly came to the conclusion I was out to smash and their heart was no where in the equation. This is a sad commentary and something that I think even those who are serious about evangelism must be mindful about. Just because you give a proof text does not solve the problem in some instances. Is it needed, yes….Does it always work, no.
1And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Cor. 2:1-5 ESV)
The Apostle Paul made it very clear that he did not come with superfluous wordplay but relied upon the Holy Spirit to come in and bomb where he needed. The interesting thing about it was Paul had the ability to do just that if he chose. He was smart enough where he could have killed them with philosophical rhetoric but he stayed true to his game plan which was to share the gospel. It is such a thin line I believe to stay intelligent or be intelligent in this anti-intelligent society that we live in. Where scholarship is reviled and frowned upon. But on the flipside you have the scholarly or theological astute frowning upon those who do not have the background but have a better faith integration.
So proof text gets thrown around and you have exegetical evangelicals calling revelational reverends heretics and vis-à-vis, when both are actually just trying to get the truth. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The word of God is like a lion. You do not have to defend it all you have to do is let it out of the cage and it will defend itself.”
Just my thoughts
Introduction
In times where many search for a positive example to follow Edward Smither presents an unusual perspective on mentoring. In his book, Augustine as Mentor, he presents a model for mentoring that focuses upon the life of the great theologian, Augustine. With the intensity of a skilled artist, he carves out major concepts that proved valuable in the development of Augustine.
Content
Augustine as Mentor, displays patterns of mentoring develop from first century spiritual leaders up until the death of Augustine. What you find nestled within the context of the mentoring that took place during this time is a level of consistency and attention, to honor God and leaders. As you move to the third and fourth century, you find other leaders that had some influence upon the development of Augustine. The lifestyles of some of these spiritual leaders directly influenced Augustine in his life.(pg.24)
Pachomius, the cenobitic monk was one of those characters that brought a great level of influence upon Augustine. Pachomius displayed a lifestyle that was conducive to what he preached. Though he was an abba of all the monasteries he still lived a in a house where he had to “remained subject to a housemaster’s authority for his everyday needs.”(pg.47) This commitment to authority was also visible in the life of Augustine as well. When asked to deliver an unpopular message at a morning feast, you find Augustine handling the task with his common excellence and vigor as always.
Smither displays the connection of lifestyle and mentorship as he unfolds the truth of the genius of Augustine. Augustine believed that there was a direct correlation between sound teaching and correct living. (pg.240) This led him to always be in intense studying of the scriptures in order that he life would reflect his belief. Smither writes,” like his mother Augustine mentored others through a personal example of somewhat untainted by an ongoing struggle with sin.” This captured the essence of Augustine as he resembled the very thing he was trying to assemble.
Conclusion
As Augustine’s life comes to a close, we find those whom he mentored still left in a speechless moment trying to find words to express the impact he made upon their life. As a theologian he was more concerned with giving others a “living faith” versus “religious propositions.”(pg.100) He lived his life before men with a major emphasis placed upon mentoring leaders. Augustine modeled the very concept that he shared with others. He was a student but constantly listened to those who were subordinate to him. Edward Smither states,” Augustine believed that imitating holy examples resulted in spiritual growth.” As great as Augustine became, he still followed patterns that were set before him by those he consider a mentor.
