What would it take for you to start reading your Bible? I’m sure you’ve got one gathering dust on a shelf or stashed away in a box somewhere. If you own a smartphone, you’ve got more versions of God’s Word available to you than ever before. A recent 2021 survey found that in America, the land that trusts in God—-at least according to our currency—-only 11% of people read the Bible daily. Truth be told, most people in America never read the Bible.
In contrast, according to a 2020 study by the Pew Research Center, more than 65% of Americans identify themselves as Christian. Rest on that thought for a moment…
Discover more insights about Bible reading habits at Statista.
Spending time studying God’s word is vital to growing in our individual understanding of who God is and what God wants from us. Immersing yourself in the Bible, I believe, helps you find your purpose in life, in addition to helping you grow spiritually closer to our Creator.
I think too often we view the Bible erroneously, similar to how we don’t view God correctly. In part, our misperception of God is due to our lack of understanding of Scripture. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to us. The Bible, as author Neil R. Lightfoot reveals in his book, “How We Got the Bible,” is a collection of sacred books that grew over centuries of time and today serves as the threshold of our Christian faith.
For certain, the Bible is an ancient book. However, it’s not just a book of do’s and don’ts, nor a labyrinth of begats, rules, and regulations. The Bible is a historical account of the spiritual and national successes and shortcomings of the Hebrews, as well as other peoples living in Biblical times. It’s also a magnificent work of literature, featuring a plethora of different writing styles and storytelling techniques. But most of all, it’s a love story about a God who desperately delights in His creation and in His created.
Between the covers, the Bible features prayers, proverbs, parables, hymns, essays, poetry, letters, admonition, instructions/, and prophecies.
The Bible itself had a great influence on literature and history, particularly in Western culture. The first book printed with movable type is the Gutenberg Bible. Time Magazine once purported that the Bible did more to shape and influence literature, history, entertainment, and culture than any other book ever written. The influence and impact of the Bible on the world and in world history is unparalleled.
So why aren’t you reading it?
Please let me encourage you, especially if you profess to be a believer, set aside some time each day to dig into God’s word. Read the Bible. Study it. You don’t need a seminary degree or a Mensa IQ. Simply ask the Lord to show you His revelation through His word. The Holy Spirit will gladly show you the truths of Scripture. I believe if you’ll invest a few minutes a day in reading the Bible your life will change forever.
Don’t commit to a big reading plan (like reading the Bible in 90 days) or set a high goal that you aren’t prepared to reach yet. Start simple. Read a little each day for thirty days.
Humbly,
The Devotional Guy™
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The Devotional Guy™ 
My morning coffee always waits for our special time with God’s Word. Your points are right on target. As you point out, there is so much more to being a Christian than saying “I am one.” Blessings Rainer.
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@bigskybuckeye Thanks for reading, brother. Being a Christ-follower certainly demands a depth of commitment and discipline. Hopefully, we continue to delight in the Lord more and more with each passing day. I appreciate your thoughts and comments my friend.
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“Spending time studying God’s word is vital to growing in our individual understanding of who God is and what God wants from us. Immersing yourself in the Bible, I believe, helps you find your purpose in life, in addition to helping you grow spiritually closer to our Creator.” —Beautifully said.
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Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate your encouragement.
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Yessir, indeed.
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