Can you quote the Bible I won’t judge you if you say no. I can quote some song lyrics as if I’m the one who sings them or wrote them. I can quote movie lines to myself, but the oldest book in history, I can only throw out a few references, but perhaps not as much as a Christian should ideally.
I know a man who said that he listens to scripture as he takes morning walks. I also know of parents who instill in their children to read the Bible everyday until they can recite verses from memory. Not that I’m knocking anyone who does this or raises their child in such a way. I think it’s important read this particular book because when we don’t spend time with Christ we tend to shrink spiritually.
Those who of us who grew up in a Christian household probably know two scriptures by memory. I bet even a non Christian make think about these words when they hear the word “Christian”.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life”- John 3:16
Then you have the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6: 9-13, which was spoken by Jesus Christ himself as an example on how to pray. You probably said this traditionally at dinner, before bed, or during some type of church service.
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
Can you name any others? One of my favorites and often used as I face anything is Phillipians 4:18, which says,
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
I think it’s beautiful that there are people who can quote the most translated book in history. Whether Christian or non Christian. But the question is are we really grasping, getting what we are reading from the book itself?
The Bible in my opinion is not a book that should be binged in a short amount of time on a goal or dare. Nor is it just something to show others how intelligent/wise you are and how good your memory is. It is a book that requires you to open your eyes, brain, and most importantly your heart.
Yes indeed the whole Bible is filled with many things, including wisdom; guidance; symbolism; poetry; prophecies; hope; and what some of us consider to be actual history. I will be the first to admit that I may not fully understand something from it the first time I read it. For example, the last book of the Bible, Revelation, still intrigues me with some of its symbolism.
However, not being able to grasp it the first time around doesn’t make me slow. It simply means I have to read it again. There are a few things I do, which I recommend you yourself do when reading the Bible.
Pray Before diving into scripture, I have to talk to the one whom it’s all about. I ask my Lord and Savior Jesus to help me to understand, because I know I am bound to come across something I might not immediately comprehend.
Take Time I remind myself that I am on nobody’s time clock except my own. As a student there were times when I would binge read assigned material if I forgot to do it ahead of time, but this book is far greater than any textbook or novel to just breeze through. If you read at a steady pace I believe it is more likely for you to know what is being addressed, and be less likely to overlook something important.
Reflect After I have finished reading I take a minute or two to recollect what I read. Where in the Bible am I reading from? What was said? Who is speaking? Where does it take place? Who is involved? What is the lesson/ theme? Most importantly, how can I apply this to my daily life?
Ask Don’t be hesitant to go to others for clarification on the material you are curious about. Look to your believing parents for guidance. Raise your hand and ask away during those church lesson studies. Talk to the church elders and pastors. Go down on your knees in prayer to ask God himself for better understanding.
Don’t fret if you can’t quote the Bible. It is possible to to do it, but only with time and practice. But be more concerned about having its positive messages in your heart, applying them to your daily life, and sharing them with others. Messages such as love your neighbor as yourself(Matthew 22:39); do not worry(Matthew 6:31- 34); if you love me, keep my commandments(John 14: 15); pray without ceasing(1 Thessalonians 5:17); and more.
God Bless!
(IMAGES NOT OWNED BY ME! FOUND ON UNSPLASH )
DavidSpeaks 