I saw a poll some time ago, the number of participants I do not recall, but I do recall that the amount had to be adjusted from per week to per month. The question was, “How many hours do you read your Bible.”
The amount of time was so low overall that it made me almost embarrassed to see it, and while I do not know if they allowed the participants to count Sunday morning in that time, I do know that most of them spent more time brushing their teeth in that month.
Whenever a poll such as this is viewed by those who profess to be saved, there is generally an uptick, although for a very short time, in the time they spend in the Scriptures, they are in a sense shamed, realizing this fault within themselves, but like a New Year’s resolution, they soon falter. “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
The television calls, the internet, work, social engagements all begin to creep back into their lives, the shame is gone, the coals heaped upon their heads begin to cool, and once again they begin to quench the Holy Spirit. Not always of course, for some take great care of the Word of God they have been blessed with, but many times you can tell a person filled with the Holy Spirit by looking at their Bible. Torn edges, worn cover, highlighted and underlined verses, used constantly, always searching for the will of God, from cover to cover. I wonder those that have an app on their phone for the Scriptures, how often does it get viewed? “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
No, most people who claim to know the Lord, to have a personal relationship with Him do not search out books written by men of God ages ago, nor do they own a concordance, verse by verse volumes written by men of God blessed with Spiritual discernment. They do not study about religious organizations, cults or false doctrines, most spend their time frivolously, not profitably.
Question them about this and you will feel their ire, they know all they believe they need to know, sadly though that is only what the pastor spoke about on Sunday morning last, which is generally forgotten by the following Wednesday. Thank goodness for that midweek Bible study, right?
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Gal. 6:7)
It used to bother me when I would fall asleep late at night reading my Bible or a wise commentary on it, but not any longer, I can think of no finer way to end the day.
Perhaps you start your day with the Word of God, perhaps it is when you return home, that is your decision, but what you must look at in your life is this, which do you spend more time on, the Scriptures, or brushing your teeth? The internet and television, or seeking the face of God? We will all give an account to God my friends, desire and shame are not the same thing.
