We cannot build a house with junk material and expect it to be livable. We cannot fill the body with junk food and expect it to be energized and healthy for living. Understanding those truths, we should also acknowledge we cannot build a healthy spiritual life by consuming the world’s junk! We need to be nourished and sustained by the wisdom that is from above. (James 3:17)
Recently I had some statistical information shared with me from The Center for Bible Engagement (from “Our Daily Bread” ministries). It stated: “A key discovery from CBE research is that the life of someone who engages scripture 4 or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not. In fact, the lives of Christians who do not engage the Bible most days of the week are statistically the same as the lives of non-believers.” It went on to further state, “Someone who engages the Bible 4 or more times a week is 228% more likely to share faith with others. 407% more likely to memorize scripture. 59% less likely to view pornography. 30% less likely to struggle with loneliness.”
If a Sunday dose of the Scriptures is all we are getting, some benefit will be experienced, but we will not be as spiritually nourished as we ought. Spending at least 4 times a week with the Scriptures is not an overwhelming notion, but according to the above statistics can produce dynamic results.
Writing to Timothy Paul stated. . .
“(16) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)
There listed is dynamic benefit to be drawn from the regular reading of the Scriptures; instruction necessary for daily living, a proving we are on the right path, the redirection of our life when needed, and training in the righteousness (right things) of God! The result of openness to the Scriptures working in all these ways is being fit and equipped for the good work God desires to be carried out both in and through us to His glory.
In responding to the devil, Jesus stated, “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 ESV) Therefore, since God has provided “all things that pertain to life and godliness” leading toward becoming “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:3-4), may we seek to build up our life with the best material He has made available to us!
Have a great day DOING SOME FEASTING ON THE WISDOM OF GOD’S WORD!
Carl
