JESUS FACTOR: Models, Role Models, and Mentors aren’t the same

 

Models, role models, and mentors are all sources of influence but differ in how they impact a person. Based on the nature, proximity, and duration of the relationship, they each offer something to learn and imitate. For good or bad, models tend to be random individuals reflecting some admired behavior or achievement deemed worth emulating. Role models tend to be widely recognized individuals representing a particular set of values, skills, or achievements in a field (e.g. a famous leader, writer, athlete or celebrity) able to motivate others toward achievable goals. Mentors are action-oriented people offering direct, ongoing relationships, providing guidance, support, and advice toward achieving specific goals.

Social psychology stresses how all these play significant roles and are of critical importance for the continual harmonious development of youth, adults, family and society at large. However, they come in stages and do not operate in a vacuum. They are interactive, evolutionary, and reactional in ways that, when left to their own means and ends, can conflict in extremely dangerous and destructive ways. Consider what happens to a person when one of those models begins showing kinks in their shiny armor and skeletons suddenly start falling out of their closet.

Thus, because we learn through observation, experimentation, social interaction and eventually find identification through vicarious reinforcements; parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, neighbors, and peers are the immediate forerunners important to monitor and protect. That in and of itself will bring manageable clashes. But as media continues to contribute its powerful limelight effects on individuality and personal profit rather than preserving valuable traditions toward maintaining social cohesion, contradictions tend to ignite individual psychological conflicts stemming from social cognitive dissonance (where “What Is commonly rewarded” and “What’s traditionally Promoted” are not the same). With the aid of speedy technology (e.g. the internet and mobile phones) covert interests and activities tend to throw traditional morals, values and goals into a realm of irrelevance and near extinction. Face it! Pandora’s box is open for business and unleashing an exponential array of role models promoting images of a new world order promising profitable returns upon investments. Add the growing use of A.I. becoming the new mentors offering “how to” instructions for anything under the sun, even if you know all that glitters ain’t gold, joining the herd minded ranks of Automatons is a safe, appealing place to be with attainable objectives to pursue. Afterall, with the way things are going, what else is there?

Well, there is an alternative role model mentoring competent models to venture a narrower but more meaningful path with objectives capable of turning current trends toward a utopian heaven on earth. Like all the others requiring a disciplined routine, combating the negative dependence on technology with a positive ideology for mind and heart to absorb; The Jesus Factor simply asks: Are your motives selfish or selfless? Can you be a good steward with what you have, and for the sake of many, become an ambassador for a potential more? Can you, not look and praise, but follow the way to go inward (through prayerful commitment, study, and reflection) for the truth (that we are one not some) and go outward for the life (where the dove of love continues offering the olive branch of peace firmly clutched and ready to share with all willing to explore horizons new)?

If so, this brings to question “If you claim to love and trust the creator, how can you not love and trust his creations: Environment and Thy Neighbor?” Then for the widow and orphan on the wayside, let your evening thoughts wear the crown of thorns. For the growing sick, suffering and persecuted bare the social whip of contradiction upon your back. And shoulder the weight of humanities cross for those being left homeless and hungry. Why? Because on the other side of Calvary, Jesus just might have to tell you “BEGONE! When you did not for the least of these, you did not for me!” So be forewarned; you just might have to walk away accepting how you conveniently did it all for self!

Meanwhile, visit https://helpfulprofessor.com/role-model-examples/ and consider https://churchleaders.com/youth/461834-characteristics-ofjesus.html because Not All Models, Role Models, and Mentors are the same, or like Jesus, living beyond the fad.