Study and/or Serve
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22
Christian women who are a little older, seem to have more time to invest outside of the family. These women have different ideas about Bible study and service to the Lord. Some do little or no Bible study, and some are actively studying in three (or more) different studies. There are a wide range of attitudes and actions regarding service. This post will address Bible studies.
Please hear that I have nothing against Bible study. God has given me the privilege of studying as He has prepared me for the different works He has called me to do over the years. I also have the privilege of teaching.
When I first came to faith in Christ I remember feeling like Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39), or Moses when he fled to Midian after killing the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-16), or Paul when he went to Arabia for 3 years (Galatians 1:17-18). God took them to places where He gave them a time of training, of preparation, for the work He had for them to do.
God gave me time to sit and read and study His word, while homeschooling my middle school children. In hindsight, I can see it was a time of preparation for the work He called me to later.
In a recent conversation a man was making the point that, in God’s structure of the world, a dump truck driver has as important a work to do for the Kingdom of God as the pastor of a church. It made me think of the quote that is credited to Martin Luther (with some disagreement) that says, “The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty, not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes.”
Bible study is necessary for preparing us for the work God has for us to do. But, at some point, doesn’t too much become like putting little crosses on those portions of our time? What unbelievers see is some sign of Christianity, but not the influence of the gospel shining a light on them. What people in need see, are those who know what they should do, but aren’t doing it (James 4:17).
The Bible instructs us to serve one another and to visit the widows and orphans (James 1:27), and to be salt and light. James tells us (verse at the top) that we are not just to read God’s Word, but to do what it says.
None of us should stop studying the scriptures, but let’s not give up serving for studying. Light illumines and salt adds flavor. As we each examine our own spheres of influence – are we leaving that sphere in better light, or the people with a fresh taste in their mouths?
Little crosses are cute, but they don’t minister to anyone.