I have probably watched every episode at least a dozen times. I could dominate every trivia game. I could throw out quote after quote. I could probably even quote entire episodes. I know every character and their whole story. In fact, my love for literature and part of my desire to be an English teacher stems from this show.
Boy Meets World.
We all have that show, or maybe that movie. Maybe several shows and several movies. I have a group of friends that can quote the entire script of Megamind. Truth be told, I don’t think that there is anything inherently wrong with that. I do think that we should strive to guard our minds and hearts from things that are contrary to the Word of God and don’t follow guidelines seen in Philippians 1:8 which says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” But I digress from these beliefs, and move to my point.
A few years ago, I was faced with an extremely convicting question: Do I know the Word of God more than anything else?
I am privileged to teach a number of brilliant students. The things that they know often astound me. They all seem to have some area of specific interest, and they want to learn everything they can about whatever it is. You could probably think of your own interests in which you are quite knowledgeable. I think that is a good thing. But could someone say that you know your Bible?
In my last post, I addressed simply getting into God’s Word on a daily basis, but now you must go beyond that. You should be reading with a purpose. You should desire for God to speak to you through His Word, to change you to be more like Jesus Christ. In fact, we are commanded to be followers of God (Ephesians 5:1). That word followers literally means that we are to be imitators. How can you imitate something that you don’t know the least bit about? You can’t.
So how can you read with purpose?
First things first, when you sit down to read your Bible, remove all distractions.
Please do not attempt to read your Bible in front of the television. Try to find a quiet place, where you can’t be bothered by siblings or pets or whatever. Above all, put your cell phone away! There are so many things screaming for your attention, don’t let them drown out what God is trying to say through His Word.
Once all distractions are removed, have a specific goal - determine that you will get something from what you read. Psalm 119:18 says, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of they law.”
I think one of the best ways to fulfill this goal is to keep a Bible reading journal. Write down what you read, and then write down something that God showed you from that portion of Scripture. It may be a specific verse that God brought to your attention. It may be one word that will stay with you throughout the day. It may be a paragraph. It may be a prayer written out. Just write something!
Now, not everyone may agree with me on this, but I suggest marking your Bible. Highlight verses. Write in the margins. I love looking back at a Bible and seeing what verses stood out to me through different times in my life. In fact, moving from one Bible to another is difficult for me because I don’t want to lose all those markings (not that they are lost, they just aren’t as accessible).
After God has shown you something, meditate on it throughout the day. Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 119:15 says, “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. The Bible also speaks for itself when it says, “Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.” (Proverbs 6:21-23) I am always amazed how God will use something from my devotions throughout the rest of the day, and often times I am able to share the blessing with others. Don’t just read your Bible to mark it off a checklist, read so that you can apply it’s principles to your daily life. Reading with a purpose will allow the Word of God to change you, guide you, comfort you, strengthen you.
Finally, and quite possibly most importantly, memorize the Word of God. I could probably write an entire post on this point alone. First, it can keep you from sin. A familiar verse to many is Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” It can provide direction when faced with a choice. It can bring comfort in time of sorrow. You know your besetting sins and struggles better than anyone. Find verses that will help you, and put them to memory. If you don’t know where to find the verses, ask! It is likely that God has placed spiritual influences in your life who can help you. Start with one verse a week, and see how often God will use that verse! I have no doubt you will be amazed!
So do you want to know God’s Word... truly know it? It won’t just happen. You must make a conscious effort. I will say, however, that the more you do, the more you will begin to desire it.
So, girl (or boy), meet your Bible. Know your Bible. Unlike your movie quotes and other random bits of (usually useless) knowledge, it will change your life!
“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” ~ Psalm 119:2
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