Feeling Too Lazy to Read the Bible? Try These 5 Tips

Diligence is the beginning of wisdom; laziness is the root of foolishness. You may have heard that saying back in school. Being lazy to study, work, think, and read can lower the quality of our lives.

According to UNESCO data in 2012, out of 1,000 Indonesians, only one regularly reads books. This means Indonesians' interest in reading is still very low. The causes vary, from the lack of books and teaching staff to simple laziness to read. This is one factor that makes hoax news spread so easily. Instead of reading information through to the end, someone immediately passes it on or gets provoked without understanding what is really going on.

 

The habit of being lazy to read is also often experienced by Christians: we are lazy to read the Bible. Even if we do read it, we are lazy to reflect on it. As a result, we become like the seed that fell by the roadside in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23).

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom of heaven and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in that person's heart; this is the seed sown by the roadside. – Matthew 13:19

Reading Alone Is Not Enough

Read the holy Scriptures, pray every day, if you want to grow …

The message in this snippet of a Sunday school children's song is so powerful. If we want to grow in faith, we need to set aside time to read the Bible and pray to God every day.

However, reading alone is actually not enough. It is written in Romans 10:17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” That means we should not read God's word in passing. Speak those verses out loud, so that our ears hear them and the word is planted in our hearts.

In Acts 17:11b it is recorded, “… and every day they examined the Scriptures to find out whether these things were so.” In the midst of their daily busyness, the Jews in the city of Berea always set aside time to examine God's word.

And, the psalmist says, “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night (Psalm 1:2).”

So, Christians should not only simply enjoy reading the word. Good spiritual insight can be gained through an active reading posture (active reading), namely by examining and meditating on God's word. We read the Bible with the determination to understand it. If there is something we do not understand, we ask about it or discuss it with our brothers / sisters.

Hearing the word, along with a heart attitude that examines and meditates on it, will help us understand God's will.

The Benefits of Reading the Word

To read is to open a window to the world. By reading, we can see more broadly and venture farther. We learn new things, see life through other people's eyes, marvel at the uniqueness of the world's many cultures, or share in the life struggles of great figures.

If reading knowledge books or nonfiction can bring many benefits, how much more reading the word. The Bible is rich with messages, inspiration, and guidance for life. The word of God gives us four benefits at once: teaching us truth, exposing error, correcting behavior, and training us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

As disciples of Jesus, it is only fitting that we have a good standard of living. Whether it relates to the desire to learn, a longing for the word, fellowship with God, or love and service toward others. Jesus said that the religious life of His disciples must be more righteous than that of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). Surely enthusiasm for reading the word is one element of religious life that we need to put in order.

If you are still reluctant to read the word for one reason or another, the following things may change your view of the Holy Scriptures. Also find out what our purpose is in reading God's word here.

Change the Habit of Being Lazy to Read

God equips us with reason so that we can find solutions. If all this time you have been lazy to read the word, look for ways to overcome it. The following things are worth trying to increase your interest in reading:

1. Determine the Best Time

Morning is often the ideal time for a quiet time. Our minds are fresh and the atmosphere is still calm. However, the best time for each person to read the word is different; it does not always have to be in the morning.

Study the rhythm of your activities, then set a suitable time. Maybe after breakfast or during your lunch break. What matters is that you have enough time to read the Bible so that you are not rushed or careless in doing it.

2. Write Down the Verses

Write down your favorite verses that inspire you to become a better Christian. Add your own notes or opinions to them. If all this time you have been taking quiet time notes on your phone, try switching to handwriting. Use a notebook with an attractive cover, colorful pens, markers, stickers, or anything else to increase your interest in reading and your enthusiasm for understanding the word.

3. Create a Comfortable Atmosphere

For those who are not used to reading the Bible in silence, playing worship songs may help increase focus. If songs with lyrics break your concentration, replace them with instrumental music. Remove or stay away from objects and things that could distract you. For example, do not read the Bible while watching television or listening to the radio.

4. Be Creative in Quiet Time

Reading one chapter of the Bible a day is good, but you can also study the word in a different way. Read an inspiring life story. Listen to the lyrics of a worship song. Or reflect on the storm of life you have just gone through. Then dig up verses of the word that are relevant to what you have read / heard / experienced; surely your Bible reading will become more engaging and memorable.

If you are confused about how to do that, follow these creative ways to bring your quiet time to life here.

5. Set a Reading Target

Even if you do not like reading, keep practicing and disciplining yourself. Over time, reading can become a habit, even a pleasure.

Set a goal to finish one book in a month. Even just one book is enough. This means you can read at least twelve books in a year. The number may not be large, but it is far better than not reading at all. Besides the Bible and devotional reading, you can also consume worthwhile reading, such as self-development books or biographies of inspiring figures.

Let us support Indonesia's progress by helping build a love of reading. Be a strong Christian, one who is not easily tossed about by false teaching or untrue news. Instead, let us become the salt and light of the world. Amen. -

Related Articles:

• Is Diligently Reading God's Word Enough?
• 3 Important Benefits of Reading God's Word Every Day
• What Kind of Heart Does God Desire?
• When Is the Best Time for Quiet Time?
• “I’m Busy. How Can I Make Time for Quiet Time?”

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