BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.” – 2 Timothy 4:3
8 Reasons We Don’t Read the Bible
by Jeff Anderson
It’s no secret biblical literacy is on decline. Every major researcher on faith trends seems to be reporting it. But why? The Bible is our only unchanging lifeline to our faith. Its words are the truest, and most transferable expression of God. In many ways, the words are the closest we can get to our Creator, and the only way faith transfers from one generation to the next.
The Bible text is alive. So why do we settle for being once-removed from the source? Why aren’t we meeting God through His Word?
1. The Bible is optional
After all, we have TV, internet, and plenty of “wise” voices touting answers. The faith message has been oversimplified with trite expressions: Love God, love people.
Why do I need to read that dusty book when I have a four-word synopsis? Many people see more verses of scripture on Facebook memes than in their Bible. And to them, Facebook replaces the Bible.
2. Many church leaders don’t expect us to read the Bible
I didn’t say leaders don’t want people to read the Bible, but that they don’t expect it. When our kids were babies and toddlers, we didn’t expect them to feed themselves, or even know how. So we fed them little bites of baby food.
Eventually, we expected them to feed themselves, and even make their own meals. Shouldn’t we be encouraged (and expected) to do some self-feeding on the Word at home?
3. All we hear is mission and vision
An unintended consequence of church branding and mission statements is constant preaching of vision, and funding for the mission. In a growing number of churches, vision has replaced discipleship. The A-B-C’s (Attendance, Baptisms, Cash) are measurable… spiritual growth (and Bible literacy) is difficult to assess. Even when “discipleship” is programmed, there’s not an emphasis on personal Bible reading.
4. Google faith
We can google a Bible verse, or blog about a verse, any time we want. So why read what’s around it? 100 million people have downloaded the YouVersion Bible app. I celebrate that fact. My question is, with accessibility to Scripture climbing by the day, why is faith and Bible engagement declining? Since we can always google the Bible when we “need” it, we rarely read the book.
5. Failure
For some, even thinking about that leather-bound book triggers memories of personal failure. And who wants to be reminded of that?! If you’ve ever tried a 365-day read, you know what I’m talking about. For others, disappointing and confusing experiences reading the Bible have triggered resignation (keep that book away from me).
6. Your parents don’t read the Bible
I’m talking to your kids, now. If you don’t read it, your kids won’t, statistically speaking. If you’ve given up, they may never begin.
7. Bible bullies
Sincere believers are often told, overtly and covertly, that they are not smart or educated enough to truly understand the Bible. Sounds like something Martin Luther railed against 500 years ago! Like others before and after, he was persecuted for giving such a “lofty” book to lowly people. Today, some bestselling authors actually tell their followers that without the benefit of their education and knowledge of “historical context” they can’t possibly understand the Bible.
8. Paul predicted you wouldn’t read it.
Okay, the Apostle Paul didn’t predict you wouldn’t read it. But he predicted many would find more entertaining alternatives.
If any of these 8 reasons for not reading the Bible apply to you, maybe you need a faith restart. Joshua triggered a restart reading as soon as they crossed the Jordan River. (Joshua 8) King Josiah ordered a restart when the dust-covered book of the law was discovered in the temple. (2 Kings 22) Ezra and Nehemiah instituted some restart reading sessions when they rebuilt the temple and the walls. (Nehemiah 8)
We all need faith restarts – fresh opportunities to recharge our faith batteries.
This devotional is an abridged version of 8 Reasons We Don’t Read the Bible by Jeff Anderson. To read the full article, follow this link.
