Last semester, I read my Bible fewer than 10 times.
I don’t know how many people get up at 5am and holler “oh boy, I’m so excited to read Leviticus today,” but I sure don’t. In addition to natural lethargy, I layer excuses for skipping devotionals:
I want to use my time to its full capacity, and I can’t do stuff and read the Bible at the same time, so I’ll talk to people about Jesus, listen to lots of Christian music, pray as I drive from here to there, and fall asleep to an audio Bible.
And God didn’t strike me dead. I didn’t sustain injuries for each day I put my Bible aside. I did some stupid things, sure, but nothing illegal or death-inducing. At the end of the day, life remained beautiful and satisfying.
A few days after 2016 began, I asked some friends to text me each morning and ask if I had done my devotionals yet. After a few weeks of being held to my word, I realized what I had been missing: talking about Jesus’ goodness over a meal, jamming to Steffany Gretzinger, and praying on Central Expressway are all little bits of getting Jesus, BUT reading His word, spending time with Him, and dwelling on what He has to say — that is a crash course on God’s glory.
When I chose not to read the Bible, I didn’t lose my life, my faith, or my salvation, but I lost an intimacy with my Father. I remained a beloved child of God, but ignoring an opportunity to strengthen our relationship showed me how little I was willing to give to Him Who gave His all for me.
We’re all busy in one way or another, but we have the same 24 hours. I don’t wake up at 5 to crack open my Bible. I don’t even wake up at 5. But you and I have no room to say “I don’t have time”. We all have time — but do we make time?
I still write “devotionals” on my to-do lists because I need to remind myself of His place.
I’ve missed a few days here and there, and I don’t exactly cry about it.
I’m frustrated that reading the Bible means some items on my list don’t get done.
And that’s where we make our choice: what do we value more – our tasks, or our relationship with God?
I challenge you to examine your approach to reading the Bible. Do you choose to immerse yourself in God’s Word, or do you limit His presence to when it’s convenient? Determine what you need in order to make time for Him, and then do it.
Here’s to knowing Him, His Will, and His Word.
