How can we spread the word about the benefits of memorizing books of the Bible (instead of unrelated verses), without sounding boastful of our accomplishment or our discipline?
I’ve been asked this question many times and I’d love to get your input.
The stories are motivation for me. I love to hear how memorizing the Scriptures has changed someone. I also feel pumped when I hear about how Scripture has nourished a situation for someone. It could be about having an answer for someone else or just yourself when the moment was in need. Corrie Ten Boone tells stories about using Scripture to get her through some pretty difficult stuff. This world will crowd the Scriptures out. The holidays are really good at doing that for me. So I said all that to say I love reading about other people’s accomplishment, disciplines and experiences. It doesn’t sound boastful to me. I love how you are doing it now.
Thank you Sheila, I think sharing a personal testimony of how God has worked in our lives through memorizing His Word is a great way to put the focus on the power of God’s Word to transform. The glory belongs to God and we are the recipients of so many benefits that come from being immersed in His Word.
Great topic Janet. In some situations, I have talked about Janet’s ministry to lead into what an encouragement it has meant to me to memorize Scripture. Sometime, I explain how I use memorization of Scripture to redirect my mind in times of worry or anxiety — what a blessing it is to wake up in the middle of night worried about something and begin to recite Scripture. If someone asks what my “hobby” is I can tell them that I enjoy spending my free time reading, jogging, and memorizing Scripture but sometime that has the same problem we are discussing of sounding like I am boasting in memorization rather than encouraging them to know God better.
When I tell people about my Scripture memory I try to soften the impact by telling them about my Scripture memory group and our online community of over 200 people. I’m letting them know its not just me, but many others who have found unlimited benefits of memorizing God’s Word. Then I invite them to check out our blog.
I discovered this issue right out of the gate. It freaked me out. It took me awhile to realize that my excitement over memorizing would come off like boasting to some. I had to purposely stop talking about it so much. That bothered me and still does. I just didnt’ and don’t know what else to do.
I am far from a boastful person. Au contraire. I am usually bagging on myself about how I can’t seem to do all the stuff I’m supposed to be doing as a wife, mom, and follower of Christ. So the excitement of the memorization process is usually in the forefront of my mind. (If it isn’t, I’ve gone back to worrying), and I wish I could blab on and on about what I learned from working this chapter or that, and “what does this really mean” in this chapter or that, and (HECK!) I’ve been reading the Bible my whole life and this verse I’m working today WAS NEVER IN THERE BEFORE!?!?
That’s what I love to talk about.
That is why I love Janet’s blog. Whew. A haven for this chickadee.
Hi Cherie, I can see that I’m not the only one who feels like they need to keep quiet or it will seem boastful. Now this may come across as a commercial for my book, but one of the things that has made it easier is to give someone a copy and let them read for themselves that memorizing books is not for geniuses, otherwise I would not qualify. All that’s required is a hunger to know God and learning a simple way to incorporate scripture memory into our daily routine. Most people say after hearing me speak, or reading the book, “You made it so doable.”
Okay. That’s what I will try. Thanks Janet. Actually, its a good idea in more ways than one, because after reading your book NOBODY can say they “don’t have the time” to memorize. 🙂
This was a well-timed post. At Bible study today, someone asked me for advice on memorizing Scripture. I gave her your blog info.
Well I know I had the fever bad after I memorized my first verse, then 3 verses, then 10, then James 1. I know how God touched my heart and spoke to me more clearly than ever before. I wanted to share the joy and excitement with others. I have shared verses I’ve learned, but I also shared how God’s word changed my life. In some instances I knew the person thought I was boasting, so I tried to take the focus off of me and put it on God. He is the one who deserves the attention, not me. I know he wants me to share my joy of learning his word with others. I try ignore my fear, and encourage others to experience the same joy by memorizing God’s word. Just last weekend my aunt shared with me a verse she memorized. I was thrilled! Praise God!
Yes, taking the focus off us and putting it on God is the key. The Word of God is the draw, and the reward, and anyone who is concerned that someone is boasting, when they’ve spent hours and hours in scripture to learn large portions of it, needs prayer. We need not feel apologetic or allow their misinterpretation to discourage us. I would say to them that the revelation of the true, in context, teaching of the Word of God, can only be discovered by taking it in, verse after verse – they follow each other for a reason! By meditating on them, delighting in them, and desiring to know them by heart, we are better equipped to live out our faith according to His will. We’re not boastful, we’re just “one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread.”
Thank you Vickie for your comments. I know that all of us who memorize book-by-book would love to spread the word about the incredible benefits and joy. We hesitate because at this point in history it is an unusual practice. Throughout history however, every Christian memorized God’s Word in context and no one thought it excessive. I agree that we are one beggar who found a smorgasbord of delight, and we would love others to know about it.