Question: As a Christian, does it really matter if I don’t read the Bible much?

Answer: Yes, it actually does matter. God has blessed us with His word! He wants us to know what He has to say to us. Knowing His word gives Believers the firm foundation we need to live our lives to please God.

Jesus said, “…whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25 NKJV)

The Apostle Paul prepares Timothy for the ministry by telling him “that from childhood you (Timothy) have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)

Paul goes on to say, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Therefore, knowing how important God’s Holy word is to our lives, you would think Christians would be seeking to read, listen to, and study God’s actual words to us much more instead of many making excuses not to. They actually end up “hiding” from God’s Word. The reasons why they don’t read the Bible regularly vary.

For example, some people say they don’t have the extra time in their busy schedules to read the Bible. But many of these same people find time to watch television, check their social media, engage in their favorite hobbies, and hold lengthy conversations on their phones. If they really wanted to do it, they could easily give about 15 minutes to reading a chapter in the Bible.

Others say they just don’t understand the Scriptures when they read them. This group needs to know that Bible translations like the New King James Version (NKJV) or the English Standard Version (ESV) along with various Study Bibles can help their readers understand the Scriptures. Of course, if you have reading ability problems, you can get recordings of others reading the Scriptures word for word for you. And remember to pray for the Lord to give you understanding as you read His Holy word! Our God is faithful, so He will help those who sincerely seek His help!

Still, there are other people who don’t really want to know God’s Word. They know God condemns sin, and these people don’t want to face the truth of their unrighteous living. They don’t want to feel convicted by God’s words.

We read about this in 2 Timothy 4:3-4. The Apostle Paul warns Timothy that “…the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables.”

However, instead of hiding from God’s word, these people need to know that the Scriptures also tell us that if they will accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, repent and ask Him to forgive their sins, He will do so. (John 3:16; Acts 3:19)

Of course, just knowing Scripture isn’t enough. Even Satan can quote Scripture. Remember how he did just that when he tried unsuccessfully to tempt Jesus (Read Matthew 4: 5-7.) Once we know what God says, we are to act accordingly. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” (James 1:22)

So, stop hiding from God’s word! Start reading it today. It will change your life — if you let it!