If we were to survey Christians at evangelical churches in America most people would agree that they need to read their Bibles. They understand that it is both required and good for them. But the sad truth is, many do not. This lands us in that strange place of knowing, but yet still avoiding, what is good and beneficial for us.
Why do we do it?
Most people when asked about their Bible reading say: I have been really busy. This may be the truth; people are very busy. However, it is not the reason. I think we can distinguish between realities and reasons. Those same people who are really busy do have the time to eat food and sleep. I know people who have their entire day (and evening) mapped out for them. They are extremely busy; yet they still read their Bibles. There is time for even the busiest of us. However, others who claim busyness also are up to date on the news, watch movies, use social media, exercise and a host of other things. In pursuit of a true diagnosis here, let’s be honest: None of us are truly too busy to read the Bible. We may be busy, but we choose to put the Bible aside for one reason or another.
Let me give you a few reasons why many Christians do not regularly read their Bibles.
It Makes Us Uncomfortable
This is the reason that no one wants to talk about but everyone needs to grapple with. We love to be comfortable, and yet the Bible aims to comfort us. So, why in the world would we avoid the Bible? It is because the Bible makes us uncomfortable before it comforts us. We don’t like this. Consider what Paul says about the activity of the Bible:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Consider the First Commandment: “”You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).
- It teaches us truth: One who follows the Lord is not to have another other gods. He alone must be our only true God who rules us even as we glorify him. It teaches us truth by saying: “This is right.”
- It reproves us: When we are not putting God first by giving him his due worship because we are giving this to someone or something else. It rebukes our sin by saying: “That is wrong.”
- It corrects us: It points us back to what is right. Because we have been reproved by the Word, we are pointed back to what we are supposed to be doing. It corrects us by saying: “Repent and serve the one true God.”
- It trains us: The Scripture tells us both what is wrong and how to do what is right. The moral law reveals to us, even the next nine commandments, how to live with God as your God. It trains us by saying: “This is how you must live instead.”
If we have engaged in honest Bible reading, we know that we have been confronted by God and his Word. This punctures our pride and unsettles us. If we aim to preserve comfort and protect honor then we will avoid this like someone who is out of shape avoids the gym.
