Bible Verse: “His delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.” Psalm 1:2
Scripture Reading: Psalm 1
Lifeway Research decided to study which behaviours disproportionally influence our maturity in Christ. In other words, which are the 20% of spiritual disciplines that yield 80% of the positive results?
They discovered that one discipline, hands down, correlates most with spiritual maturity: reading the Bible. No other activity comes close.[1]
But here’s the sad thing: another study found that only one out of seven Canadian Christians read the Bible at least once weekly.[2]
If you want to grow spiritually, the most strategic thing you can do is start reading the Bible. No other discipline will help you grow like this one.
But how do you do this?
- Find a good Study Bible. The additional notes can really help in understanding what you read.
- Find a good reading plan. Search online for a good one- or two-year reading plan. You’ll find lots of options. Pick one that interests you.
- Don’t give up! You won’t always feel like it. You’ll probably get behind at times. It doesn’t matter. Just keep going.
- Buddy up. If you get stuck, it can help to read with someone else or to ask them to check in on how you’re doing.
Reading the Bible is the most strategic discipline for spiritual growth. It deserves our attention and our time.
Prayer: Lord, please help me to read and apply Your Word. Amen.
Reflection: What is the most strategic step you can take in developing a regular Bible reading habit?
[1] Im, Daniel. No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry. B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition, location 1409.
[2] https://bibleleague.ca/bible-engagement-study/#highlights
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