In this chapter, Anderson begins by pointing out that the translation of the root word "logos" (Greek) as "word" contains an inherent reference to the idea behind that word. The Gospel of John identifies Jesus as the Logos, not only as the expression of God's thought (the "word") but as the perfect embodiment of the intent behind the thought. In studying the person and life of Christ, we are actually studying the very nature of God. This is precisely why our study of Scripture and understanding of Christ is essential to true Christianity.
Unfortunately, time spent in practical "service" of God often crowds out opportunities for truly knowing Him. In Luke 10, the contrasting approaches of sisters Mary and Martha allow for Christ's instruction on what is "better". While Martha was busy "doing" what she believed to be helpful to Christ, Mary was at His feet -- both learning and worshiping. Anderson's comments on this story take into account the long, drawn out conflict between encouraging education or domesticity among women (as an aside, this should not be an either/or issue).
"... what if education -- what if learning and thinking and knowing -- is less about what you do with your knowledge than it is about the person you become in the process? What if learning is less about how to make a living and more about how to live?"
"... what if education -- what if learning and thinking and knowing -- is less about what you do with your knowledge than it is about the person you become in the process? What if learning is less about how to make a living and more about how to live?"
Approaching spiritual learning as a discipline rather than a hobby stands in direct contrast to the traditional women's ministry attempt to embody passages of Scripture addressed specifically to women ("pink passages", as Anderson calls them). Without a doubt, certain passages help us understand what being a Christian woman (or man) looks like practically. But many more Scriptures are dedicated to describing Christian life in general -- and these apply equally to men and women.
"When we identify first and foremost as women, we can begin to believe that knowledge of ourselves will come primarily through passages that speak to women's issues or include heroines like Ruth or Esther. But when we do this, when we craft our learning and discipleship programs around being 'women,' we make womanhood the central focus of our pursuit of knowledge instead of Christ. And we forget that those 'pink passages' were never intended to be sufficient by themselves... We forget that nothing about them will make any sense if they are not first grounded in the truth that we are destined to be conformed to His image through Christ."
Think about your experience in women's small groups and Bible studies (or in reading Christian women's books and blogs). Has the focus consistently been on being more Christ-like? Or are there long, convoluted digressions into being more "Christian-woman-like"? The Proverbs 31 woman is not our standard: Christ is. And while there exist many beautiful aspects of Godly womanhood, these were not meant to take precedence over our pursuit of Christ.
Questions:
1. Does "acquiring Godly wisdom" make it to your to-do list on most days? How would you act differently if your day's activities were viewed through this lens?
2. Do you find it easier to pursue "Christian-woman-like" accomplishments than Christ-like character? How can you challenge this tendency in your life and the lives around you?
Questions:
1. Does "acquiring Godly wisdom" make it to your to-do list on most days? How would you act differently if your day's activities were viewed through this lens?
2. Do you find it easier to pursue "Christian-woman-like" accomplishments than Christ-like character? How can you challenge this tendency in your life and the lives around you?
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