Give up the idea of “owning” who you mentor, or of living your life (or making up for your lost opportunities, missed hopes and dreams) through your mentee (that's the word for the mentor-ee, the person being mentored).
You don't even "own" yourself yet. You have given your allegiance, and ownership to God, in Christ. You are not your own, you were bought (like a slave in a society where slavery is rampant, who is bought by a good master who actually cares for the people under his care, gives them the freedom of his home, raises them as family, and yet allows the facade of "slavery" to be maintained where it will provide protection for those under his care, from slave traders etc.). Bought at great personal price; because of the distinct principle of love: (1 Cor 6:19-20; 7:22-23; 1Pet1:18-19). So how much less do you own anyone else?
If you have pledged fealty to Jesus, as God's Christ, you do not even own yourself! - let alone some other sibling God asks you to give your life to. That is what Jesus is talking about when he says deny your-self. You are not the owner, finding something of yours that has been misplaced or lost (Mark 8:34-40; Luke 9:23). Deny your "own" ownership, of you and others.
The people God brings to you are not to be made disciples of you, but of Jesus, and Jesus is calling you to mentor (make disciples) under him. Your job is to do yourself out of a job, and to help those you mentor to reach their full potential as the personality God made each one to be. Think of your children or siblings. How different are they from each other? The family is your model, not your culture's idea of "students" graduating from a class.
Notes along the way
Wed 2023.06.07 (- Wed 2023.05.14)
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