What Realms Does Gospel-Centered Mentoring Address?

#12 in the Gospel-Centered Mentoring Series

When Aladdin finds a magic lamp, the genie inside grants him three wishes, according to long-established tradition.  But this is no ordinary genie who mindlessly obeys; this kindly spirit wisely mentors his new master.  He advises love-struck Aladdin to be truthful with princess Jasmine; he encourages Aladdin to compliment Jasmine instead of boasting about himself; he confronts Aladdin with his lies; he saves Aladdin from drowning.  He longs to see Aladdin mature.

Like Genie, the gospel-centered mentor is concerned about the mentee’s whole life, even if the mentoring focus is very specific (e.g., mentoring a student in academics or mentoring a new church leader into a specific ministry role).  We’ve learned that gospel-centered mentoring focuses on developing the wholehearted character of mentees; and we understand that the gospel-centered mentor uses law and gospel in this process.  He/she wants to see Christ baked into every slice, or realm, of the mentee’s life.

Thus, it is easy to infer that gospel-centered mentoring only addresses a mentee’s spiritual development through Bible study, personal meditation, prayer, etc.  This aspect of gospel-centered mentoring will come naturally to most Christian mentors.  However, it is important to remember that mentees are not only spiritual beings; they are also physical, emotional, and social/vocational beings.  Developing wholehearted character involves learning to rest in Christ and reflect him in every realm of life:  spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational.   

Remember the Physical and Emotional Realms

Some Christians downplay the importance of physical and emotional development, especially when compared with spiritual development.  Without realizing it, they may be in danger of embracing the heresy of the Gnostics.  Around the time that the New Testament was being completed, this ancient cult taught that the spirit, or soul, is good and the body is bad.  As a result, they believed it mattered little how you treated your body as long as your spirit was okay.  Sadly, this ancient heresy seems to be on the rise again among many Christians.  They neglect their physical and emotional health, often spurning it with phrases such as “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” or by making light of laziness, gluttony, and drunkenness. 

Thankfully, the Biblical authors and the early church fathers rejected this false teaching.  For example, Missionary Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20: 

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.  Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Notice how closely Paul links body and soul.  What you do with your body certainly affects your soul.  Your emotions and your spirit are both influenced by your physical wellbeing; just consider how a sleepless night or a long sickness can drastically impact your mood and your ability to focus on God’s promises.  Conversely, your physical wellbeing is influenced by your emotions and your spirit.  Doctors tell us it is literally possible to ruin your health with worry, chop years off your life (see Matthew 6:27), or die of a broken heart.

Thus, it is important for us to help mentees care for their body, both physically and emotionally.  Proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep can defend them against the four most common, life-threatening diseases: heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and cancer; it can also help them stay focused and productive for many years, God-willing.

Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Here are a few quick examples how little physical changes can make a huge difference in the lives of mentees.  The #1 cause of daytime fatigue is dehydration.  Are they drinking enough water every day?  Joining a gym is a great way to exercise, but daily, at-home movements can also make a noticeable difference in health.  A simple morning or evening walk can provide great physical, emotional, even spiritual benefits.

Some may respond:  “If physical wellbeing is so important, why doesn’t the Bible address it more?  Didn’t the Apostle Paul even write, ‘For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.’ (1 Timothy 4:8)?”  It is important to remember that the physical environment of the Bible’s first readers was totally different than it is today.  Physical activity was the normal, daily experience of everyone except the uber-rich.  Jesus and his disciples walked everywhere, probably hundreds of miles just during his three years of ministry.  Additionally, ancient people ate food that was grown as God intended it; there were no processed foods that had been largely stripped of nutrition.  They did not have easy access to all the sugar and empty calories we have.  They did not have access to nor time for all the leisure activities that are available to us, including those that produce immediate relief from stress but cause long-term health problems, such as too much screen time.  The temptations to neglect their physical and emotional wellbeing were negligible compared to what we face.  Modern mentors need to ensure that physical and emotional wellbeing are important components of their mentees’ development toward wholeheartedness.    

Gospel Freedom

While God commands us to honor him with our bodies, the gospel gives us freedom to choose how we will care for them in ways that fit our schedule, circumstances, and ability.   

Next: Remember the Physical and Emotional Realms