They say that time is our most valuable resource. We all get 24 hours every day. That’s it. So how do we decide how to invest this precious resource? If you’re like me, you have more things vying for your time than you have time to spend. Between work, family, friends, and other obligations, I often feel like I can’t possibly squeeze something else in my schedule. Still, I choose to spend time daily reading the Word of God. Why? Why do Christians read the Bible? As you’ll see, the return on my investment came just when I needed it.
Why I Need to Read the Bible
There I stood. Finger waving, voice raised, anger pouring out, as my wide-eyed child looked up at me. Everything in me knew I should back away, calm down, and come back when I could handle the situation with grace and humility. But I didn’t. Later I sat alone in my room with tear-stained cheeks, heart-broken by my own sin.
The remorse and desire I felt to repent to God and my child was the righteous response, but there was something else lingering, too. I had allowed the enemy to distort those feelings into shame. I allowed what was a mistake to take root as my identity. No longer was I a mom-who-lost-her-temper. I was simply a bad mom.
The Bible Confronted My Issues
Immediately, the Lord reminded me of the woman caught in adultery, so I opened my Bible and began poring over her story. Here she was, caught in sin. Undoubtedly she had been labeled by others—and by herself. Shame had set in. But in Jesus’ eyes, she was not defined by her sin. He simply looked at her with love and kindness, and sent her away with the words, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Rather than thrusting condemnation on her, He lavished her with kindness.
The Bible Reveals God's Plan
There on those pages I saw the gospel. The same grace that was extended to her all those years ago is extended to me, and to you, today. In that grace, there is freedom. Freedom from judgment. Freedom from shame. Tucked in the pages of that ancient book are truths that transcend time, culture, and circumstance. Page after page reveals God’s character, His promises, and His story lived out since the beginning of time.
We are making investments in our souls.
So why do Christians read the Bible? Because we’re making investments in our souls. We may not always be faced with a dark night of the soul, with tear-stained cheeks and a broken heart. But we all have to deal with challenges at some point in our lives—an illness, balance, pride, relationship difficulties, or even a negative self image. And when we do, the deposits we faithfully sowed will be brought to mind, so the truth of His Word will fill our hearts and our minds, bringing us the peace, comfort, and freedom we only find in Him.
6 Reasons Why Christians Read the Bible
1. To gain a deeper understanding of our faith
The Bible is the foundation of Christianity and it contains the teachings and principles of our shared belief. Reading the Bible helps Christians gain a deeper understanding of what they believe and why they believe it. By meditating on Bible verses, Christians can gain insights into God's will and His love for humanity.
2. To grow in our relationship with God
Christians believe reading the Bible, we can gain a better understanding of God’s character, will, and plan for our lives. This can help us grow in their relationship with God. Understanding that God loves us unconditionally helps deepen our relationship with Him.
3. To be transformed by the Scripture
Christians believe that the Bible has the power to change lives. Reading it can transform us by the teachings, principles, and wisdom found in its pages. We're all works in progress, and reading Scripture helps us identify areas we need to be transformed.
4. To be equipped for service
Christians believe that the Bible is a guide for living and that by reading it, they can be equipped to serve God and others more effectively. Scripture teaches us what Jesus is like, and how we can imitate Him in our daily lives.
5. To be strengthened
Reading the Bible can provide Christians with comfort, encouragement, and wisdom when they are facing difficult situations. When you want to give up or give in to temptation, scripture can reset your mind.
6. To be part of a community of believers
Reading the Bible is also an act of worship and meditation; it’s a way to be in fellowship with other believers and to share the same understanding of the text and the faith! Engaging with the whole Bible helps believers share a common understanding of God's story and His redemptive plan.
So today I challenge you, make an investment in your soul. Spend time in His Word, planting seeds of truth in your heart, and watch as He uses that truth to grow your understanding and faith in Him.