Biblical literacy and mentorship are important to Christian walk
Part 2 of an
interview with Donna Gaines,
Author of Choose Wisely, Live Fully
The Book of Proverbs is a gold mine of
divine wisdom. Author and speaker Donna Gaines applies that wisdom in very
practical ways to the issues women face. Choose
Wisely, Live Fully (Abingdon Press) examines the blessings and curses
associated with the choices made by the two women in Proverbs: Wisdom and
Folly.
Within the book, Gaines also harnesses
her two passions—discipleship and literacy—to challenge women of all ages to
become “biblically literate.” Biblical illiteracy makes us vulnerable to
influences that do not represent biblical truth. This book is a discipleship
tool that will help equip readers to: discern the voice of God and follow His
path (the path of Wisdom instead of the path of Folly); experience the joy of
wholehearted obedience; and let God help them mentor the lives around them in
remarkable ways.
Q: What is Biblical literacy, and how
do you address modern Christians’ lack of it in Choose Wisely, Live Fully?
Bible
literacy is the ability to understand the grand narrative of God’s Word and
apply its truths to life. We must read and study that we might “rightly divide
the Word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Then, through the power of the indwelling
Holy Spirit, we are able to choose to bring our lives into conformity to God’s
Word.
Biblical
illiteracy (the lack of knowing what the Bible says) is rampant. Most of us
honestly don’t know what God has said in the first place. Many church attendees
profess Christ yet deny Him by their behavior . . . so what are we to do?
I
encourage people to read the Bible annually. Reading what someone else says
about the Bible is no substitute for reading it yourself. When I disciple
women, my goal is for them to become self-feeders. I want them to feed
spiritually on the Word of God on a daily basis. If we knew God’s Word we would
not be so easily discouraged or led into false teaching.
Q: How does the general lack of Bible
literacy in today’s world create havoc in everyday life? What are some examples
of hot-button issues further complicated by Christians not personally knowing
what God has to say on the subject?
We
all must be cautious not to lean on our own understanding but instead to ask,
“What does God’s Word say about this?” It is easy for us to be influenced by
our emotions, friends, media or what current culture dictates.
Many
Christians only know what other people say about God, which leaves the door
wide open to individual interpretation, personal agendas and propaganda to make
a point. People in the church have been as impacted by media and culture as
those outside the church.
The
only way to be wise and live the life of spiritual blessing is to immerse
ourselves in God’s Word and obey it. God is not just an idea or a concept. He
is the Creator, Savior and King. When we come to Him through Christ, He becomes
the reality around whom all the rest of our life conforms. Then it doesn’t
matter what the issue may be: marriage, divorce, immorality, lying, or caring
for the least of these — we choose to line up with God’s Word.
Q: Why is mentoring younger women in
discipleship important to you? Should every older woman actively aspire to be a
mentor?
In Titus 2, every older woman is commanded by
scripture to teach the younger women. We are also commanded by Christ to make
disciples and teach them all they need to know (Matthew 28:19–20). This call is
for all believers. I find as the mentor and teacher, I always get the most out
of it. That is why it is important for those we disciple to disciple others
themselves later. The truths of scripture really become our own when we can
articulate them to someone else.
Q: Is it ok for a younger woman to
search for a mentor instead of an older woman seeking her out? What should a
younger woman look for in a mentor?
It
is absolutely fine for a younger woman to seek out a mentor. She should look
for a woman who walks in wisdom, peace and Christian love. She needs to be a
woman of the Word and prayer. I have had several women in the churches where my
husband served as pastor I approached and asked to spend time with. It was not
a formal mentoring or discipleship relationship, but I learned and was
challenged spiritually by time spent with them.
Q: Where can readers find your free
downloadable resource on how to start a mentoring program?
By
visiting www.AbingdonPress.com/DonnaGaines, readers can
download a free resource giving them a schedule for a year-long discipleship
program. This schedule is designed for a two-hour weekly study. The mentor
guide also includes suggestions for books to study in addition to reading
through the Bible. There are also scriptures to memorize.
Learn more about Choose Wisely, Live Fully at http://donnagaines.org and follow Donna Gaines on Twitter (@donnadgaines).
Comments