As Christians, we know the importance of reading our Bibles. We know it’s something we should do every day along with prayer, but it’s one of the spiritual habits we often neglect the most. I’ve already written about the importance of reading The Bible, so today I’m focusing on something else. Today we’re going to look at what happens as a result of NOT reading The Bible.
Dare I say there have been days, weeks, sometimes even months of my walk as a Christian when I haven’t even picked up my Bible, let alone read it? Maybe you’re shocked by my statement, but I bet many of you reading this are nodding your head in understanding because you’ve been there, too. You know what it’s like to struggle to get through the busy, difficult days when your trials seemed huge and God felt so far away. Days when your human nature prevailed and instead of reading the truth of The Bible you picked up the TV remote instead.
No one ever said living the Christian life would be easy, and we all experience highs and lows during our spiritual walk with the Lord. The good news is on those days when we’ve given up on Him, God hasn’t given up on us. He still pursues us and desires communion with us. He still desires to speak to us through His word, which is why reading The Bible is so important.
You see, during those times in my life when I chose to neglect reading God’s written word there was evidence of it in my daily life. Just how soil produces whatever is placed in it, our lives will reap whatever we place in them. If we fill our lives with the good things of God we are going to reap good fruit, but if we don’t…well, you know what to expect. It’s not going to be good. There are going to be signs you’re not reading The Bible.
Signs You’re Not Reading The Bible
You’re making wrong choices.
When we’re not reading The Bible, we’re more prone to disobedience. We start making wrong choices for our lives since we’re not grounded in the truth from God’s word. If we are going to follow the examples and guidelines for a Christian life provided in The Bible, we must spend time reading it.
You’re fearful and/or anxious for the future.
Fear and worry likes to show up in our lives when we least expect it. If you’ve been feeling fearful or anxious about the future, it’s time to pick up The Bible and fill your mind with the promises of God. He will never leave us and only his perfect love can cast our fears aside.
You’re experiencing sinful desires.
None of us is perfect and we will always sin whether we’re reading The Bible or not. However, when we’re not filling our minds and hearts with the truth of God’s word, we are opening the door to allow more sin in our lives. Old sinful desires begin to creep up, harmful habits, temptations from the past, anything that can distract us and separate us from God. Fight those sinful desires with the Word of God and you’ll be able to stand up to temptation with Him by your side.
You’re being transformed by the World.
Have you changed your views on what is acceptable in the sight of God thanks to the world? Have you compromised your beliefs so they line up closer to what mainstream media and society says they should be instead of The Bible? It’s time to dig into the word and the let the wisdom of the Bible transform and renew your mind. Don’t give in to the desires of the world, but stand strong in the truth of God by filling your mind with scripture.
You’re not hearing from God.
Has it been awhile since you’ve heard from God? The Bible is the living word of God and the number one way He speaks to us today. If you’re not hearing from God, chances are it’s because you’re not listening or seeking Him like you should. Make spending time reading The Bible and praying a priority and your life will change as you draw close to Him and hear from Him through His word.
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