The Neglected Necessity: Why Reading the Bible is Vital for Every Christian

As human beings, we receive a lot of good advice throughout our lives. From basic hygiene practices like taking showers and brushing our teeth, to simple everyday tasks like wearing a coat in the cold or eating regularly, these are all things that we agree are important for our well-being. If someone we know starts neglecting these basic practices, we would urge them to reconsider and emphasize how crucial these habits are.

Yet, when it comes to reading the Bible, many Christians struggle to prioritize it in their lives. This foundational practice often falls by the wayside because we don't truly believe it matters. We may think that it doesn't directly impact our physical bodies, so we underestimate its significance. Additionally, since reading the Bible isn't immediately visible to others, we tend to let it slip. However, this indifference leads to spiritual malnourishment, leaving us with spiritual bad breath and a sense of spiritual nakedness.

Why have we allowed this crucial aspect of our faith to become neglected? Perhaps it's due to trivial reasons or the influence of the enemy who delights in our apathy. We convince ourselves that reading the Bible is not essential for a healthy and happy life. But the truth is, neglecting the word of God is like neglecting to shower or brush our teeth.

Imagine if we believed that we could only be nourished by eating a green bean in a calm place with perfect lighting and no interruptions. Or if we thought that a shower only cleansed us when we had a journal on hand to write about it. It sounds absurd, doesn't it? Yet, many Christians have set similarly unrealistic standards for when and how they will read the Bible, devaluing the word itself. We have forgotten that the value of the Bible doesn't lie in the accessories we bring to it, such as study guides or lengthy discussions with friends. The word of God has priceless value on its own, and we are invited to partake in it at all times.

The saints who have immersed themselves in Scripture understand its transformative power. They have experienced the renewing of their minds, the clothing of Christ, and the strengthening and cleansing that comes from the word. For them, going without the Bible would feel as unthinkable as going without basic hygiene practices. They recognize that the value of the word is not determined by our feelings or the visible impact it has on our lives. It is a gift from God, and by neglecting it, we cut ourselves off from receiving its blessings.

It's time for a change. Let's start believing in faith that the Bible is truly what it claims to be. As Christians, we are called to follow Christ, who himself said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4). So, what does it look like to follow Christ when it comes to reading the Bible? It means believing Him and taking up the Book to read. It means listening to audio versions while getting ready or grabbing moments throughout the day to read, just as naturally as we would eat a snack. It means walking in faith, knowing that God will do something in us through His word. And as time goes on, when someone asks us what is most precious to us, the word of God will not be a fabricated answer, but a reality in our lives.

The Bible is full of references that emphasize the importance of reading and meditating on the word of God. In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist declares, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." This verse highlights the protective power of the word, guarding us from falling into sin. It is like a spiritual armor that shields us from the attacks of the enemy.

Moreover, in Joshua 1:8, God instructs Joshua, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." This verse reveals the key to a prosperous and successful life - meditating on God's word. By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, we align our thoughts and actions with God's will, leading to a life of abundance and fulfillment.

Jesus Himself prioritized the word of God. In Matthew 4:4, when tempted by the devil, He responded, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Jesus recognized the life-giving power of God's word, and He relied on it to combat temptation and stay aligned with His Father's will.

The Apostle Paul also emphasized the importance of the word of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, he writes, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." These verses highlight the multifaceted benefits of Scripture. It instructs us, convicts us, corrects us, and trains us in righteousness. By immersing ourselves in the word, we become equipped to fulfill the good works that God has prepared for us.

In conclusion, reading the Bible is not an optional accessory to our faith. It is a fundamental practice that nourishes our souls, shapes our thoughts, and aligns us with God's will. Neglecting the word of God is akin to neglecting our spiritual well-being. Just as we prioritize essential physical habits like showering and eating, we must prioritize the nourishment of our souls through Scripture.

Let us change our perspective and recognize the immeasurable value of the Bible. Let us believe in faith that it is the life-giving word of God, capable of transforming us from the inside out. As we embark on this journey of immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, let us expect God to do something amazing in our lives. And as we continue to grow in our love for His word, we will witness its transformative power, making it the most precious and treasured aspect of our lives.