Last month I wrote about being more diligent against laziness in my life (read about that here). Part of what that means for me is regularly and intentionally reading my bible in the mornings. Many mornings my children will rise before I’m done–and sometimes before I’ve even started–but I press on. I occasionally read the same passages two days in a row if my children have interrupted the previous days’ reading enough that I didn’t retain much of what I read. However, I am glad that they see me immersed in the Word, and I pray that the seed that is planted from these early mornings will sprout and grow as they grow.
I chose to begin my bible reading right at the beginning. I purchased a devotional bible that has a short devotional every few pages, and I try to read one devotional each day as well as the scriptures in between. If I miss a day, I don’t get upset; after all, I need to give myself grace occasionally. However, I put it in my mind each night that I will wake up in time to get my bible reading in.
In the Beginning
When I set out on this endeavor I had given it quite a bit of thought. For some time, I had felt that I needed to find a way to get more Bible into my life. I do well with doing Bible lessons and memory work with our children, but for myself my discipline was lacking. Then one day it hit me. If someone questioned my faith, would I be able to stand up for it? If one of my friends or family members asked about certain questionable passages that throw us all for a loop, would I understand what it means or know the appropriate response?
A resounding NO was in my mind. Because I grew up in the church, I know no other way. And yet I did not have the knowledge to back up my faith. I attended a Christian college and yet my studies there still did not equip me to defend my faith.
Taking Action
I knew at that moment I was not going to pass through another day without equipping myself with the knowledge to defend my faith. That meant asking a lot of hard, uncomfortable questions. It meant putting my faith in God that whatever answers I discovered would not invoke fear in me but understanding and acceptance. During my younger years I always felt that a person had to be a bible scholar to be able to understand the deeper meanings in the passages of the Bible. Time and maturity has allowed me to see that through reading quality resources and prayer for wisdom, a simple Christian like myself can understand the words written in the sacred texts.
And so I set out to read through the scriptures as best I could through the eyes of an unbeliever. Based on my upbringing, it would not be possible for me to be 100% unbiased. However I can read the passages without assuming the “goodness” behind the words. It has allowed me to ask questions that I hadn’t recognized before. I have been able to allow my emotions to be unguarded.
In reading through the scriptures I’ve found myself feeling pity for some and something bordering on disgust for others. I’ve been able to see the stories in a different light. I’ve seen the Israelites through the eyes of a parent with whining and disobedient children. But I’ve also been able to ask hard questions about questionable morals and living situations. It’s allowed me freedom to recognize the imperfections of the people and still accept them as part of God’s plan. It’s taught me more about my lack of grace than any other single lesson in my life.
Pressing On
I still have a long way to go to get through the Bible, but I’m happy to say I’m in no hurry. Some chapters and entire books are difficult to get through because of lengthy lineage or repetitive language. Nevertheless, I have read each one. Looking at the passages as building blocks to my faith brings a whole new meaning to the words. Even greater than that is the freedom to allow myself to question anything I come upon that doesn’t seem to fit. While some questions are yet unanswered, I am blessed with many knowledgeable people and an abundance of resources to call upon.
Have you ever had your faith challenged?Â
Were you able to adequately defend it?
Please share with me the ways you expand your knowledge and understanding of God’s word.Â
Be encouraged by these posts as well!
- Introducing Quiet Time And Sticking To It! - June 1, 2018
- The Parable of the Persistent Widow - April 20, 2018
- Maintaining Friendships During Motherhood - March 22, 2018
I did this several years ago because I was raised in a different denomination than I attend now. It was very eye opening. I suggest this for everyone. It’s hard to truly read it like you’ve never read it before, only using what you have just read as reference and not applying future verses to it. It took me several years to do this.
Yes Toni it is so much more difficult than I anticipated! I will reach out for your wisdom when I get stuck, as I’m sure I will at some point along this long journey!
Laura, i think that seeing the Bible in this way is the perfect way to be able to talk with people about the Lord. You recognized that God used all sorts of people, in all sorts of living situations to complete His purposes. It gives us the capability to have compassion on all people and meet them where they are. That will allow God to use us to turn them towards Him. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. – Amy
Thank you for the encouragement Amy!
This is pretty awesome! I also grew up in a Believing Family so I’m also pretty biased when reading Scripture. However, I did go to a secular university and had plenty non-believing friends. That helps. You are the first person I’ve heard of intentionally reading the Bible this way. WOW!! What a fresh perspective. This habit will be a strength for you. Keep seeking Him!!! I’m curious to know how it is going now?!?!?!
Sarah, thanks for checking in on me! As life tends to ebb and flow so too does my reading time. It has been a little lacking lately but I am still sneaking in my bible time here and there, but much less often than I would like to! I am truly in a time of assessment and discovery and have really enjoyed attempting to read the scriptures without any rose colored glasses. It has brought on many more questions that I’ve ever had before. Thank you for your encouragement!
I had a client in my therapy office who is a non-believer. We had built great rapport and she asked if she could ask me questions about God and the Christian faith. I read different verses and passages to her during this time. It was a positive experience for her and a journey she is still on but it also was awesome to get to see the bible through her eyes as well! Thank you for the post and God bless!
Melissa, that is an amazing story. I have not had many frank conversations with unbelievers and it seems that you handled it with grace and tranquility. I think it’s refreshing for people to be able to ask questions without feeling judged, condemned or without the other person getting defensive. What a beautiful example you have set in planting the seed in another woman’s heart.
Oh my goodness so much of this is hitting home for me right now. I’m so often running to Bible studies, and sermons from my pastor, because I’m afraid that if somebody challenges my faith and I don’t have the answer right away, I can stumble them. Some of the Old Testament can be so tricky to understand, I need to occasionally run back to a Bible for younger adults or teenagers to get a better understanding, and understanding that is brought down to the level that I need it to be. No shame in that! There are times when… Read more »
Jennifer I totally agree! I often seek out quality resources to give me a better understanding of the word or the context of the time. I’m glad we’re in this together!
This is a great reminder! I could probably come up with something, but it would be lacking in eloquence;)
It’s almost like an elevator pitch because we only have a few minutes of someone’s attention. I guess I need to make sure I have something because those few minutes might be the chance I have to tell someone about Jesus!
That’s a good way to think about it Julie! I have trouble fashioning something quick and to the point but not lacking in depth and sincerity! Thank you for presenting such a good thought. That’s definitely on my to do list now 🙂
Isn’t it amazing that He equips us and gives us wisdom to read His word?
I agree Bailey! God is amazing on so many levels.