A question I am asked frequently is one of inquiring as to why Christians read the Bible all of the time. While I understand the word ‘all’ is not literal, I often rephrase the question and respond with four reasons why Christians read the Bible every day or a couple of times a day.
The Bible Teaches Us about God
Spending an afternoon outside pondering the wondrous intricacies should lead a person to logically conclude there is a Creator. Acknowledging that God exists is not the same as knowing God. Reading the Bible teaches us about the divine and triune nature of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. Learning about the loving and living God who created the universe makes Christians desire to worship Him and live in a manner that pleases, resulting in a life filled exceedingly, abundantly beyond what we could ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
The Bible is a Blueprint for Daily Living
Just as an architect needs a blueprint to build accurately, we need a blueprint for living our daily lives. The Bible gives a blueprint for what to eat, the need to rest, how to handle relationships, and the danger of not controlling our tongue. There are thousands of directives that give the smallest of details about daily living. Living life according to the Bible brings abundant blessings in life (John 10:10).
The Bible provides a Moral Compass of Truth
We are living in a time where absolute truth is no longer upheld in society. A glance at social media, mainstream news, or actions in the community around you will confirm the age of moral relativism. In other words, there is no right and wrong and everything is based on perspective and opinion.
The Bible is no longer looked to as the final authority of right and wrong, even in societies such as the United States that were founded on the truths of the Bible. While this may sound great in the name of progress and freedom, it creates a great deal of confusion for many. While some scoff at the thought of God setting a moral compass of truth, millions of Christians read the Bible every day, searching for truth. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6).
The Bible Helps Us to Be Strong and Courageous
We are human and when faced with difficulty, we need to be encouraged and reminded to be strong and courageous. Joshua was a warrior and a leader yet when faced with the daunting task of going in to possess the land given to the people; God spoke to him four times about being strong and courageous.
In Joshua 1:9 (ESV) God asked Joshua “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This verse is frequently quoted by Christians, but the previous verse gives the ‘how’ to be strong and courageous.
In verse 8 (ESV) Joshua was reminded of the key to finding the courage and strength to face the battle. “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.” The Book of the Law is the Bible.
The Life Lesson
Whether you need to know God better, basic instruction for daily living, moral direction, hope, strength, or courage; the key is to read your Bible often. Had Joshua not spent time reading the Bible ‘all of the time’, he would not have been able to stand in his time of trouble. The more a Christian reads their Bible and meditates on it day and night, the more prepared he will be in the hour of need.
When fear, depression, temptation, a diagnosis, or a crisis call comes, the Scriptures in the Bible will come back to mind and bring the instruction needed for your specific situation. You cannot recall what you have not first learned. I encourage you to take the time to read your Bible. Maybe not ‘all’ the time, but spending time reading it will equip you to live a strong, courageous, and victorious life.
Originally published at https://inspiration.org/christian-articles/why-do-christians-read-the-bible-all-of-the-time/