Scripture Memorization for Adults
Andy Johnson has written a great blog post on nine benefits of Scripture memorization. We couldn't agree more! What we like most about his post, though, is his point that memorizing the Bible is a discipline that should be carried on into adulthood. Little warms our hearts as much as seeing entire families memorizing together.
As Andy says:
From pre-schooler to senior citizen, these benefits transcend age or level of spiritual maturity ... the benefits of hiding God’s Word in one’s heart clobbers the initial difficulties.
Nothing will convince children more of the value of memorization as a discipline than seeing it practised by their parents. We know that this is true of so many character traits, but I would suggest that it is doubly true in the case of scripture memorization. Not only will children learn by copying what they see you do, but the mind-transforming discipline of memorization on your own life will make children even more inclined to follow in your footsteps.
Kids, if your parents aren't memorizing the Bible alongside you, ask them why not! Challenge them to join you. It's never too late to start.
Tips
encouragement
The Eternal Word of God
If you're reading this post, then you probably already understand the importance of memorizing God's Word. But in my own personal walk with God, there have been many times where He has opened my eyes to see the value of having the Scriptures hidden in our heart in a clearer light. That is, I thought I knew the value of God's Word a couple years ago; but now, I esteem the words of His mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12). They are more to be desired than much fine gold, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10). Why? Because all of those things are temporal. All of our earthly treasures will one day melt with a fervent heat (2 Pet. 3:10), but the word of our God shall stand for ever (Isaiah 40:8). To put it in the words of Christ Himself, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matt. 24:35)
As the photo above illustrates, even the most beautiful things in life will fade. Our life, as well as anything we might gain during it, is only a vapor. It appears for a while, and then vanishes away (James 4:14). Why then spend the few years we have on this earth seeking after things that won't last any longer than we do, when we could instead be laying up for ourselves treasure in heaven, "where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth"? (Luke 12:33) The only thing on this earth that will last is the Word of the Lord. That is why it is so necessary to memorize it. We live a temporal life, surrounded by temporal things and temporal treasures; but through the Bible, God has made a way for us to have something eternal to carry with us along the way.
Encouragement