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.
- The Mentor Mindset: The ideal mindset, according to the author, is a balance of high expectations and high support. Mentors not only offer advice but actively help young people achieve success, proving their value. They communicate with empathy and encouragement, saying things like, “You may face difficulties, but I will help you overcome them,” or “You can grow, and you are not alone.” This approach helps youth understand the value of challenges while ensuring they don’t feel isolated.
“Weaknesses of Bill Gates Yet His Remarkable Life”
Bill Gates is a polarizing figure—some admire him, others don’t. However, no one can ignore his influence, which surpassed that of many nations. He played a key role in making personal computers accessible to the masses during an era dominated by large, fixed computers. At one point, 90% of the world’s PCs ran his operating system. Additionally, he is one of the world’s top philanthropists, having donated over $20 billion. We can learn valuable lessons from his life.
Firstly, effort: Many people romanticize the genius and inspiration of highly successful individuals. But Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, known for his work on “flow,” argued that creativity is not about romantic inspiration but the result of relentless effort and focus. Beethoven’s piano keys were worn down by years of practice. Bill Gates, too, was known for his intense focus on reading and his passion for computers.
Secondly, overcoming weaknesses: Despite his genius, Bill, like everyone, had many weaknesses. He was labeled “odd” by those around him and considered to have traits akin to autism. Additionally, he struggled with sales and management. Weaknesses can lead to failure, but when aligned with God’s grace, they can become spaces for growth and collaboration. Bill acknowledged his shortcomings and valued those who could complement him in his endeavors.
Lastly, God’s grace: As Bill aged, he often expressed gratitude for his good fortune. He recognized that if he had been born in a poor, war-torn country, his life could have been very different. He acknowledged his luck and viewed it as a form of divine grace, always thankful for the blessings he received.