GROWING

…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. II Peter 3:18

At a teacher training orientation today one of the facilitators said that personal engagement with the Bible, God’s Word, was the single most important thing we can do for spiritual growth. Nothing else even comes close.

When we begin a daily discipline of reading the Bible, we can expect the Holy Spirit to teach us God’s truths, to point out and convict us of sin in our lives, to correct and rebuke us in wrongdoing, and to train us. We can also expect to be guided, to be encouraged, to be comforted, healed emotionally and spiritually and physically, spiritually nourished, instructed in life and relationships, learn business principles, and countless other wonders. And we can expect to grow.

But let’s face it: Bible reading is a discipline. It requires a commitment to take the time, to stop, to be intentional about getting into God’s presence through his Word. There really is no excuse for not reading the Bible. In our country there are 4.4 Bibles in the average household. 57% of Americans polled read the Bible four times a year, and only 26% of that group read the Bible at least four times a week. (American Bible Society) Is it any wonder that Christianity seems to be in decline?

Everyone has the same amount of hours in the day; everyone in our country has access to a Bible; everyone will experience growth by engaging with the Word. We cannot put ourselves in God’s presence without being transformed. Let’s stop making excuses and get regularly into the Word.

Heavenly Father, your Word is a lamp to our feet and light to our path. Where your light comes, darkness disappears. Cause us to hunger and thirst for you and your Word, and strengthen us to discipline ourselves to daily seek you in your Word. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.