Reading and meditating upon the Word of God is one of the most important aspects of the Christian walk. Sadly, however, it seems that many peoples view reading the Word of God as a task that they are obligated to do as Christians. Many people just want to rush through reading the Word of God to simply mark a checkbox for the day. Now let me be clear, I am not against someone using a Bible reading plan, I believe it is important to consistently be in the Word of God.
However, the mentality that is associated with many of these plans make reading the Word of God appear like a task, rather than eating a good meal. As Jesus said when He was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4:4 (NKJV), “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”. We need to view the Word of God as our spiritual food as believers. We should not view reading our Bibles as a 15-minute task to rush each day, we should view it as an important meal we partake in each day while allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us and help us understand God’s Word.
Many Christians become weak because they do not properly feed upon the Word of God, and this is sadly a result of the “quick-read” culture that has been made with most Bible reading plans. It is time as believers that we do not just read the Word of God to mark off a checkbox, but rather to read the Word of God to let it do its work in us so we can glorify God.
Meditating upon the Word of God means we take our time with the Scriptures, which for many can be a challenge in today’s fast-paced society. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) tells us, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”. We need to value the Word of God more than anything of the world.
When you read the Word of God and meditate upon it and act upon it with faith, you can expect results in your life for the glory of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (AMP) tells us, “And we also thank God continually for this, that when you received the word of God [concerning salvation] which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its inherent, supernatural power in those of faith].”. The Word of God is a supernatural power that believers can exercise.
Faith is not just reading the Word of God to be able to know certain facts. Faith is reading the Word of God and living a lifestyle that acts like the Word of God is true to glorify God and to expand His Kingdom. Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV) tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”. We must align the things we say with the Word of God, our confession of faith must be in line with God’s Word.
As I said before, I am not against a Bible reading plan. However, I would like to encourage you not only to read the Bible consistently, but to also take your time and meditate upon the Word of God, and seek the Teacher who will lead you into all truth.