I’m going to introduce my wife, Jean E. Jones. Here’s why. One of the things that concerns me today is that so many authors have earned various degrees, and garnered various accolades, and published many books, but, sadly, if you get to know their lives you find that they aren’t ones to imitate (it isn’t infrequent, as everyone knows, that some of these authors are caught in spectacular scandal). Over the years I’ve known many famous Christian authors who have published books who shouldn’t have. One author told me that he put a particular idea in a not self-published book about improving people’s lives (I’m being vague here) and his wife told him “But you don’t do that yourself.” To which he replied, “Yeah, but I should.”
Christians shouldn’t do that… but they do.
Frankly, if you can’t live a belief you consider correct, you shouldn’t teach it regardless of how well you write or speak. That’s why Paul puts so much emphasis on lifestyle when it comes to who should be an elder or deacon in a church. Also, in James 3:13 we read, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” In other words, the wise person should be able to show it by his lifestyle. If he can’t live it, he doesn’t know what he is talking about on that area.
Those with correct beliefs will have correct lifestyles to match.
And that brings me to my wife.
Jean E. has started a blog and she knows what she is talking about because she doesn’t just hear the Word of God, she does it.
I should know because I started “going out” with Jean E. just 2 months after I turned 15. We married when I was 18 and—as those who know us will testify—we are happily married. I’ve learned many things from Jean E., especially about the Old Testament and how to write (I couldn’t teach the writing course I teach today if she hadn’t constantly edited my university papers by me chastening me regarding passive voice, strong verbs, brevity, clear transitions, etc.). Jean E. has gone through a lot of hardships, some of which she has written about—others she will write about later—and she has learned through continued faithfulness to God how to overcome hardship with grace and with an eye on Heaven!
So, if you’re looking for sage advice from a wise Christian woman who lives it, I encourage you to check out Jean E.’s blog at www.jeanejones.net!
Proverbs 31:29.
Amen.
I agree, there are many books written by people who don’t walk their own talk. It seems like a no brainer to write about what you know and practice. Unfortunately, you do have to filter the authors based on their own walk with God. I always, “Consider the source.”