D’oh
—used to express sudden recognition of a foolish blunder or an ironic turn of events
Merriam-Webster
Doh
Interj.
A Gen-X colloquialism conveying an overall feeling of frustration.
Slang Define
I have taught two courses numerous times. One is a course on mentoring. One of the main points I make in that course is that when we are saved we must not only be clear about what we are saved from — sin, death, Satan — but we must also be clear about what we have been saved to become — a new humanity that bears the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29–30). Paul understood this and so he focused on helping people grow in Christlike maturity (Colossians 1:28–29).
The other course I have taught for many years is a course on calling. I start by reminding everyone that our first call is to follow Christ (Mark 8:34). But in following Christ we follow Him with our unique combination of abilities and burdens.
I was teaching a seminar on calling recently when one of the participants pointed out that when we respond to our first call, to follow Christ, we will become transformed to be like Him (Luke 6:40). And surely that meant that our first call is to grow in Christlike character and any vocational expression should flow out of our Christlike character. In other words, God is concerned first about who we are before He is concerned about what we do. Which means we are called to follow Christ and in doing so we become like Him. Then, we try to discern our unique calling because we want clarity as to what we are meant to do as Christ’s agents in the world.
It was more than an “ah-ha” moment. It was a “doh” moment because I had always known about the primacy of growing in Christlike maturity. It wasn’t a new insight. But, for some reason, I had always parked that insight in my course on mentoring, not in my course on vocational discernment. In the activist mood that pervades many churches, I need to remind folks that Abba Father is more concerned for His children’s growth in maturity than what they can do for Him. And that what they do for Him must flow out of who they are. I thanked the brother who helped me get my doh moment and this insight will now be an integral part of my teaching on vocation.
I have often mentioned that I learn from my students. Some may think it is just a polite thing I say but I have always meant it. I tell all the classes I teach that each class is a learning community and that we are all friends learning from each other. I am delighted with the possibility of working more with an institution which is out-and-out committed to learning in community, the Discipleship Training Centre. I am delighted that sharing a meal together is an integral part of the learning experience. As the seminar on vocation proceeded, it was a joy to see the class members growing in friendship. That meant a lot of informal learning was taking place over tea and lunch. And I had gained a vital new insight.
As I said, I have taught vocation many times and in various formats. But one of the students’ responses to this seminar is my best to date. In the feedback form, one student wrote:
“Came looking for calling, left seeking Jesus.”
Amen.