First and foremost, Merry Christmas. Now let’s get right to the message. In today’s world, many Christians find themselves distracted and disconnected from the true essence of their faith. We’ve discussed the power of prayer and how Christian buzzwords have made Christianity more superficial. However, one of the root causes of the emptiness many Christians feel today is the decline in Bible reading. The Bible is perhaps the most well-known and widely recognized book in the world, yet it seems that many of us, especially in America, don’t read it as we should. This post is a call to action for all Christians: read your Bible.
The Problem: Christians Aren’t Reading the Bible
It’s unfortunate, but true. We live in a world where people will post scripture online, quote Bible verses in their captions, and proudly call themselves Christians — yet they’re not reading the Bible. We have lost sight of the foundational part of our faith. Many of us are simply not making the time for God’s word, and it’s showing in how we live our lives.
The reality is, if we truly want to live the lives God intended for us, we need to know His word. And not just know it through social media snippets, memes, vlogs, and podcasts. We need to read the Bible in its entirety.
A Strategy for Reading the Bible
I get it. The Bible is a large, complex book. It’s filled with difficult concepts, historical narratives, and teachings that can sometimes be hard to understand. But here’s my advice: don’t overcomplicate it. Take the first step by reading through the Bible quickly. Yes, read it quickly. There are 66 books, and many of them are relatively short. Use whatever medium works for you, whether it’s a physical Bible, an app, or an audiobook. You can listen to it while driving, working out, or even on your commute.
This quick read isn’t meant to be a deep study but more of an overview. The goal is to immerse yourself in God’s word, let it sink in, and allow it to reshape the way you think, pray, and live. When you read the Bible, your spirit will feel more grounded, and you’ll experience a deep sense of conviction. It’s this conviction that is sorely lacking in the world today. Many Christians don’t feel convicted because they don’t know the Bible. But when you read it, you’ll gain discernment, understanding, and a deeper connection with God.
The Power of Conviction
When you’re grounded in God’s word, you’ll be able to recognize when things don’t align with His truth. You’ll know when people or situations are leading you astray. You’ll be able to guide your family better, make wiser decisions, and lead a life that is more aligned with God’s will. The Bible is your compass. The more you read it, the more it will guide you. The less you read it, the more lost you’ll become.
Let me be radical for a moment: if you’re not reading your Bible, you don’t really know God. You may claim to be a Christian, but without reading the Bible, how can you truly know God’s ways, His promises, and His expectations for your life? The Bible is the manual for living the Christian life. Without it, you’re walking blindly.
The Bible as the Key to Transformation
Reading the Bible isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about transformation. It’s about reshaping your entire life — from how you think to how you act. If you’re not reading your Bible, you’ll make mistakes. You’ll judge people wrongly. You’ll get marriage and parenting wrong. You’ll do business wrong. You’ll pray wrong. Simply put, the more you know God’s word, the more aligned your life will be with His will. And as Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect Him.
How to Make Time for the Bible
There’s no excuse not to read the Bible today. With technology, it’s easier than ever to get the word of God into your life. I personally use the Bible app, which is available on most platforms. It allows me to listen to the Bible as I work out, drive, or go about my daily tasks. I’ve listened to the Bible in its entirety this way, and it has been a life-changing experience. It’s not just about reading — it’s about making God’s word a part of your everyday life.
What to Focus On
Once you’ve read through the entire Bible, take a second pass and break it down. Focus on the Wisdom books, especially Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the New Testament. These books give us practical wisdom for living, from relationships to work, and they are the foundation of how Christians should live.
The New Testament is especially important because it teaches us about Jesus, salvation, and the Christian life. It’s essential for understanding our role as Christians in the world today. Once you’ve gone through it once, revisit the sections that resonate with you the most. Study them, reflect on them, and apply them to your life.
Let’s Get Active
The world needs Christians who know the Bible. We need to be grounded in God’s word, holding ourselves accountable to it and helping others do the same. Reading the Bible isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about living a life that honors God and helps expand His kingdom. So, my challenge to you is simple: Read your Bible.
Whether you read it, listen to it, or study it, make the commitment to get into God’s word every day. Your life will be transformed, your relationships will improve, and you will live the purpose God intended for you. Let’s start reading — today.
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