RECOMMANDED BOOK
Why Is It a “Scandal”? — The Kingdom of God We’ve Overlooked
Jesus showed little interest in promoting His own name. In fact, He often told people not to speak about Him. Despite this, news about Him spread rapidly. Dallas Willard contrasts today’s church evangelism (or marketing) with Jesus’ own approach. While modern churches plead, persuade, and appeal to people, Jesus said things like, “Don’t follow me,” or “Tell no one what I did.” Sometimes, He even discouraged followers by highlighting the cost of discipleship, such as having nowhere to lay His head (Matt. 8:20).
The irresistible yet uncomfortable appeal of Jesus lay in how He unsettled people. Unlike today’s churches, which often aim to remove discomfort and fit societal preferences, Jesus associated with tax collectors, sinners, and prostitutes — relationships that scandalized His contemporaries. He Himself said, “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me” (Matt. 11:6), and Peter described Him as a “stone of stumbling” (1 Pet. 2:8). So what was it about this discomforting Jesus that still captivated hearts?
Mindset That Cultivates Growth
The author categorizes three types of mindsets that adults adopt when interacting with young people:
The Coercer Mindset: Adults with this mindset set high standards but fail to provide adequate support to help the youth meet those expectations. They may express belief in someone’s ability but don’t offer the specific guidance needed. This can lead to burnout, as young people feel pressured without the resources to succeed. Many churches fall into this mindset, expecting youth to serve without offering proper mentorship or support for growth.
The Protector Mindset: These adults, fearing the harshness of high standards, prioritize self-esteem over achievement. They encourage safe choices and provide unconditional support to avoid failure. While this provides comfort in the short term, it prevents young people from facing challenges and limits their growth opportunities. Youth raised with this mindset may struggle with decision-making and responsibility, often feeling discouraged by even minor setbacks.