Why is it so hard to consistently read the Bible when we can devour other forms of media without any problem? Whether it be sports, TV, books, social media, magazines, etc. We consume tons of content every day. When it comes to reading our Bible, it feels more like a chore than it does a delight. We struggle to stay consistent and committed. What gives?!
What if I asked you to eat three Krispy Kreme donuts, could you do it? Hang with me, it will connect in a minute. I am sure you could gladly take down three donuts with ease. Donuts are light, fluffy, and sugary. There is very little substance, so it is easy to consume a lot of them. Now, what if I asked you to eat three apples? You will certainly have a harder time completing that task. While apples are tasty, they are full of fiber and other good nutrients. Apples have nutritional value, which makes them harder to consume in large quantities.
Now, relate this back to your Bible reading. It is easy to consume many forms of media because they are like donuts. Sitting and watching a show or scrolling on your phone takes little effort and gives temporary pleasure, but it has very little value for your life. Reading God’s Word is more difficult because it has real substance. God’s Word is not just a book that we consume like any other book; the Bible challenges, stretches, convicts, and reveals God to us. Scripture is challenging because it is actually the Word of God. Look at how the scriptures are described in Hebrews 4:12-13,
“12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
God’s Word cuts through the hard exterior shell of our souls. It reaches down to the very depths of who we are and causes us to come to terms with our true selves. We can put on airs to those around us, but we cannot hide from God. God’s Word is like a mirror that shows us who we really are and gives us truth to live by. If we read it and apply it to our lives, we will see God work in amazing ways. There is no substitute for God’s Word. No form of entertainment comes close. God’s Word will change you!
Some people struggle with this level of realness. Many of us want to float through life chasing enjoyment. This is a life of emptiness that often leads us to follow the idol of entertainment. Don’t be seduced by the trappings of the world, don’t trade the things of God for cheap imitations.
Now, I want to caution you, surely you understand I don’t mean you should abandon all forms of entertainment or enjoyment. There are many things we can enjoy in this life that are good and right. Watching a game, enjoying a movie, or hobbies like golf or fishing are good. These things can be enjoyed by ourselves or with friends and family. The problem occurs when these things consume us. They become an idol in our lives. The entertainment in our lives must be enjoyed in moderation and never at the expense of worshipping or serving our Lord. If something keeps you from reading God’s Word or worshiping at church on Sunday, you ought to check yourself, because chances are, that thing has an unhealthy control over your life.
The great thing about the spiritual disciplines is that they will grow on you. What starts as a duty will eventually grow into a delight if you stick with it. Just like when you exercise, it is hard work, but when you see the health benefits, you know it is all worth it. When you see yourself grow in the Lord, you will realize how amazingly powerful God’s Word is, and you won’t mind getting your daily reps!
