I had a Bible teacher in high school who had us write something in the front cover of our Bibles so we would never forget it. I’m glad he had us do it because I haven’t ever forgotten it. He had us write, “This book will keep you from sin. Sin will keep you from this book.” It strikes a chord with me as much now as it did then. In order to lead a successful Christian life, I’ve got to spend time in God’s Word. I’ve got to consume it it like I would food for my physical body.
The more I know God’s Word and what it says, the more I’m aware of what He wants from me. The more aware I am of what He wants from me, the less likely I am to stray from its commands. The less I’m in it, the less I know what God wants from me. The less I know what God wants from me, the more likely I’ll stray from His commands. Psalm 119:11 says it best, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” The only way to hide it in your heart is to read it and study it.
Since it’s the start of a new year, it’s a great time to start investing in your spiritual life. There are many resources to help you read through the Bible in a year. The Bible app offers multiple types of plans to help you read through the Bible. I don’t think you can make a better resolution than to put more of God’s Word into your heart and mind. It’s an investment in the quality of your spiritual life, eternal life and relationship with God. It’s a tough habit to get into and requires sacrifice of your time, but the dividends paid are out of this world.
I once read that it takes doing something 21 days to make something a habit. I also recently read that January 17th is “Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day”. That’s the day most people quit doing their new year’s resolution. So sad that they were 4 days away from making it a permanent habit in their lives. We should all be able to go 21 days straight of reading God’s Word. You can find time by getting up 15 minutes earlier, listening to it in the car on the way to or from work, on your lunch break or 15 minutes before going to sleep.
If you want to live a life with a minimal amount of sin in it, start consuming the Bible. We have a guarantee from God that if we will hide it in our hearts, it will keep us from sinning. We also have a guarantee in verse 105 of Psalm 119 that His Word will be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. So, not only will it keep you from sinning, it will give you direction in your life. I believe we could all use help with that. My challenge for you is to start reading God’s Word daily. If you’re already doing it, stretch yourself to read more than you were before.
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 