Does that apply
April 24, 2010
Recently, a friend was discussing Beth Moore, the popular women’s Bible-study teacher and author. I won’t give you all the ins and outs of our brief conversation, nor do I want to discuss women functioning as teachers. One comment made by my friend yesterday, however, caught my attention. He jokingly said,
“These women are getting together, eagerly studying the word, anticipating their next study, doing their homework throughout the week. And when they finish one study, they begin another. What I want to know is: Isn’t it time to get out and do–to put to practice what they’re studying? I mean, Beth Moore studies are great, but, Women, what about going out and living what you’ve learned?”
Now, with all due respect, I think that is a little unfair. Since when do evangelical Christians treat an eloquent, influential, big name speaker that way? When was the last time anyone said to _____, “Um, we’d like a break from your teaching so we can go out and apply it.” Or, to be more blunt, we have our Sunday morning small groups, our Sunday morning sermons, our Wednesday night Bible studies, yet Beth Moore needs to stop teaching so we can go and do? If you’re worried about an unbalanced, teaching prone Christianity, the problems are much deeper than some women’s Bible studies, my friend.
We as American Christians typically take in alot more than we give out.
Too often we get used to being detached from the press of life and need to be intentional about ‘getting out there’ in our lives – whether it is getting out there with our neighbors, co-workers, friends or family.
I resonate with you about intentionality. So often I do not feel like living with a deliberate, others focused mentality. The challenge in James to be not only a hearer but also a doer has been helpful lately along these lines.
This is an important concept that you’re talking about in this post. “Christianity” has turned into a talking religion, where those who can talk the best are recognized as our leaders. Its amazing how far we’ve come, considering that Paul once boasted in the fact that he was not an eloquent speaker and that the Corinthians did not believe because of his speaking ability.
So, where do we go from here?
-Alan
Where to go from here is the big question, one which I do not know the answer to. Perhaps the solution is found in modeling what the Christian faith is. Ironically, though the faith has become so focused on teaching, the solution may not be found in even more teaching. Rather, what may be needed is faithful and consistent models who obey the command, “Not many of you should become teachers…The seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by peacemakers (not speakers)” (James 3:1, 18).