Hard to Remember

I went home last weekend to visit my parents for Mothers Day. One of the things I enjoy doing when I go home is sitting in my mother's Sunday School class in my home church, Crowder Baptist Church. Mom asked the class to recite sayings or bits of advice we were told by parents or teachers when we were growing up. None of us had trouble remembering them: "birds of a feather flock together"; "this hurts me more than it hurts you"; "if so-in-so jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?" The list went on and on. The one my mother always told me, "it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside; its whats on the inside that counts". If I had a dime for every time I rolled my eyes when she said that, I would be rich. Then, mom asked a different question--what scripture verses have meant the most to you in your life? The room was silent. After a few seconds, someone blurted out John 3:16. It was obvious it was difficult for members of the class to recite scripture.

When I was in grad school, I made sure I memorized every formula and every why and how there was to thermodynamic and synoptic meteorology. My grade, masters degree, and possible first job depended on it. So why are we so uninterested in studying God's Word? Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

The ancient lamp was small and flat with a wick and oil. It gave just enough light to see a short distance ahead. Similarly, God's Word (the Bible) gives light enough for each step in making every day decisions. When you are able to recite and remember scripture (not necessarily the specific book and chapter it comes from), you are able to receive encouragement and strength for the day. Not only does God hear you but more importantly, Satan hears you. And the Bible says, "he flees". So take a moment today and read over some verses that have meant the most to you in you life and commit them to memory. Your grade or career may not depend on it, but your eternal life does.