missing the mark
I had a whole post written up. A post of encouragement to make a "worthwhile resolution." A post to encourage you to prioritize the word of God this year, even over weight loss or quitting smoking or spending less.
As I read back over it I felt uncertain about it all. There was a feeling I couldn't shake. There, sometimes blatantly in the words I had scripted and sometimes in between the lines, was the legalism we too often run to.
I could tell you that reading the Bible is your duty, so you should do it. I could say that and it might be somewhat helpful, it might not be all together wrong, but perhaps there'd be something missing. I could give you more motivation for reading the Scripture, likely more helpful motivation like how in Deuteronomy we read that the Word of our Lord is "no empty word for you, but your very life." That the Word of God is faithful and supernatural. It is true and to be held above any other word from man. It is able to instruct, rebuke, encourage, and enliven believers in a way that no other person can, no other piece of art can, no other book can.
There are so many reasons why the Word is worthy of our energy and attention. We should read because this is the word of God put to paper. We should read to gain wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 16:16). We should read to fight sin (Psalm 119:11). We should read to gain joy (Psalm 119:111). We should read because only his Word endures throughout all generations, and will endure even when our time on this earth ends (Matthew 24:35). We should read to be reminded of who the Lord is and who we are in light of that.
All of these reasons are right for why we should read the Bible. And I actually implore you to read it! I think true transformation happens, that the word of the Lord holds power.
But I also want to tell you this: if you fail to read the Bible faithfully this year you are still a Christian. You are still made right by the work of Christ, not by the work of yourself. The Father still loves you deeply and chose to save you. You are still redeemed and made new.
In fact, you could never read the Bible again for the rest of your life and still be a believer. Why? Because it is not your good deeds that save you but it was the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Do not lose heart if you fail to meet your resolutions perfectly. We never will. Praise be to God that Jesus always has, always does, and always will!
As you mediate on the goodness of the Father, on him holding you fast, I encourage you to turn to the Scripture. To create a discipline with the knowledge that you are Son or Daughter, not someone trying to earn their keep. Below are some helpful resources. Take them with the knowledge that you are loved and enter into the growing of knowledge of our great God.
Marry the Bible
Word Before World
True Rest
Podcast on Loving God's Word
Bible Reading Plan
How to Find God in God's Word
Podcast on Scripture
All of these resources (and so many more) are helpful in encouraging us to be in the Word. It is great for us to be reminded why Scripture is so, so good for us. But nothing can replace the very Word of Scripture. I encourage you to begin reading the Bible regularly this year. Let it speak to you as no one else can.
As I read back over it I felt uncertain about it all. There was a feeling I couldn't shake. There, sometimes blatantly in the words I had scripted and sometimes in between the lines, was the legalism we too often run to.
I could tell you that reading the Bible is your duty, so you should do it. I could say that and it might be somewhat helpful, it might not be all together wrong, but perhaps there'd be something missing. I could give you more motivation for reading the Scripture, likely more helpful motivation like how in Deuteronomy we read that the Word of our Lord is "no empty word for you, but your very life." That the Word of God is faithful and supernatural. It is true and to be held above any other word from man. It is able to instruct, rebuke, encourage, and enliven believers in a way that no other person can, no other piece of art can, no other book can.
There are so many reasons why the Word is worthy of our energy and attention. We should read because this is the word of God put to paper. We should read to gain wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 16:16). We should read to fight sin (Psalm 119:11). We should read to gain joy (Psalm 119:111). We should read because only his Word endures throughout all generations, and will endure even when our time on this earth ends (Matthew 24:35). We should read to be reminded of who the Lord is and who we are in light of that.
All of these reasons are right for why we should read the Bible. And I actually implore you to read it! I think true transformation happens, that the word of the Lord holds power.
But I also want to tell you this: if you fail to read the Bible faithfully this year you are still a Christian. You are still made right by the work of Christ, not by the work of yourself. The Father still loves you deeply and chose to save you. You are still redeemed and made new.
In fact, you could never read the Bible again for the rest of your life and still be a believer. Why? Because it is not your good deeds that save you but it was the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Do not lose heart if you fail to meet your resolutions perfectly. We never will. Praise be to God that Jesus always has, always does, and always will!
As you mediate on the goodness of the Father, on him holding you fast, I encourage you to turn to the Scripture. To create a discipline with the knowledge that you are Son or Daughter, not someone trying to earn their keep. Below are some helpful resources. Take them with the knowledge that you are loved and enter into the growing of knowledge of our great God.
Marry the Bible
Word Before World
True Rest
Podcast on Loving God's Word
Bible Reading Plan
How to Find God in God's Word
Podcast on Scripture
All of these resources (and so many more) are helpful in encouraging us to be in the Word. It is great for us to be reminded why Scripture is so, so good for us. But nothing can replace the very Word of Scripture. I encourage you to begin reading the Bible regularly this year. Let it speak to you as no one else can.