The Bible itself makes it very clear that spending time within its pages is a very important part of the Christian life. Scripture is the very word of God, meant to teach and build up all His people. Leading us to live the life He wants us too. But knowing the significance and importance of the Bible doesn’t matter if you never read it. And a major part of reading the Bible is knowing how to properly consume it.
The Bread Of Life
Matthew 4:4 (ESV)
4 But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Jesus referred to the word of God as something we live on, comparing it to bread. This is one of the greatest ways to look at the scripture. Especially when thinking about how to properly consume it.
For instance, just as you would not sit down to eat an entire loaf of bread in one sitting, it is not always wise to read vast portions of scripture in one sitting. In doing so you can find yourself in a situation similar to someone who overeats. Feeling overwhelmed and not able to remember what the first piece was like. Scripture should be taken in small pieces at a time. Which for you may mean a few verses or a few chapters.
Reading scripture is not just about getting through it. It’s very important to give yourself time to digest and really think about what you have just consumed. It is important to meditate on the Word and try to store it in your heart before continuing to read more or going about the rest of your day.
Joshua 1:8 (ESV)
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful 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.
Psalm 1:2 (ESV)
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Consume It All
To properly consume scripture we should be consuming it like those in ancient times would consume bread. Food was scarce so they didn’t pick and choose what they ate. Only looking for the pieces they wanted or thought would taste good. They consumed it all. Unlike many today who won’t even eat the end pieces of a loaf of bread but choose to throw them out.
It’s not possible to simply avoid the end parts of the Bible because you do not like them. Without the Old Testament and the harsh but necessary book of Revelation, it is impossible to truly know the God you claim to serve. Christians must realize that we are to consume the entire Bible. Because all scripture is important and the direct word of God.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)
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.
Daily Consumption
Just as you would not go a day without eating you should not go a day without reading scripture. Consuming scripture should be a daily part of every single Christians life. As we have already seen, we do not live on bread alone but on God’s Word. So to continue to live a healthy life we must continue to consume it daily.
In fact, I would even submit that as we eat multiple times a day. We should also consume the word multiple times throughout the day. Doing so allows for reading more scripture. While also giving time for what has already been read to be absorbed and fully digested.
That being said if you only take one thing from this article let it be your need to spend time in the Bible every single day. Even if that means just one chapter a day. Just do not allow yourself to miss or it will spiral into prolonged stretches without counseling the Word. I am living proof that consuming the Bible every day, even if only a little, will change your life. God’s Word will light your path and keep you from blindly stumbling into sin.
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
More Valuable Than Anything
Throughout this article, we have compared the Bible to bread. Because it does a great job of illustrating how we should consume scripture. But it must be said that the Holy Word of God is far more valuable than mere food. Or anything else that can be had.
While food will sustain life for a time the Bible is able to sustain its readers through this life and carry them safely into the next. It’s important that you always view God’s Word as the most important thing available to you. Just as Job did throughout his struggles.
Job 23:12 (ESV)
12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
Remembering always that while everything in this world is destined to pass away that is not true for God’s Word. Jesus made it clear that God’s Word will never pass away. Not even one period will be taken away.
Matthew 24:35 (ESV)
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Start consuming the Word of God today. Using the tips in this article to be sure you do it the right way. Taking it one bite at a time. Meditating on it and storing it in your heart. Taking the time to read it every day of your life. Become one of the true disciples of Christ who abide in His word.
John 8:31 (ESV)
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
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