Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11
I was thinking about you all the other day and about the many friends I have scattered far and wide across this nation. Specifically I was thinking of how many Christians I know will start a “Bible Reading Plan” in the new year and then when they fall behind, get discouraged and give up. I think somehow we Americans have become too success oriented. We treat every project like a race that must be completed by a certain time. And when things don’t go like we think they should, we shrug our shoulders and give up. That may work in some areas (though I can’t think of many), but it’s a disaster when it comes to spiritual disciplines like Bible reading! Spiritual growth is slow work. It can’t be rushed. It requires persistence – and some times that means starting over again…and again. I was thinking about that a couple of years ago and posted the following exhortation on Facebook:
So how’s that Bible reading plan going? If you’ve gotten behind, don’t sweat it. And for crying out loud, don’t give up! Just pick up where you left off and keep reading. Keep thinking. Keep meditating on it. It WILL be worth it. The Scripture you did read will profit you a whole lot more than the wringing of your hands over what you did not read. It’s not a race. It’s a means of drawing near to God, of hearing His voice and being corrected and encouraged by Him. So keep at it. Start over as many times as necessary. Revise your plan if you fall behind. But keep at it. He asked me to remind you!
So church, persevere. It WILL be worth it! God will use the consistent (and sometimes less that consistent) daily (and at times less than daily) intake of His Word to shape your life in the image of Christ! So Christian, press on!
He asked me to remind you, because He loves you,
Pastor Scott