letting go of measurements

Well, I’m in Chapter 7 of “Hearing God” and have come across a concept that might make you feel better, and might not. However, I think the idea is powerful and necessary. Williard talks about how many people feel the need to read through the Bible in the year or read the Bible on a regimented schedule. These things are of course not bad, and I think all believers should read through the Bible at least once.

            However, Williard says: “If you do this [read the Bible in a year] you may enjoy the reputation of one who reads the Bible through each year, and you may congratulate yourself on it. But will you become more like Christ and more filled with the life of God? It is a proven fact that many who read the Bible in this way, as if they were taking medicine or exercising on a schedule, do not advance spiritually. It is better in one year to have ten good verses transferred into the substance of our lives than to have every word of the Bible flash before our eyes” (Williard. p. 212).

            It is easier to fit Scripture in when we focus on something measurable: reading a chapter of the Bible or a couple of pages of a devotional.  What if we instead tried to drink in one verse and meditate on it until we actually changed?  Williard recommends not reading large passages of Scripture at once, and beginning with familiar passages.  He discusses the passage I John 4:18: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.” We’ve all heard this verse. But I don’t know anyone who is never afraid.

            Join me in focusing on one verse and dwelling on it until we have not only memorized it, but can live it. If you'd like, share what verse or verses you have chosen. Let’s see what God does. 

Beth Kropf