I would like to take credit for this post, but I cannot…at least not entirely. I came across a blog post this morning that was compelling enough to post some observations and repost what I found to be very insightful.

While certain disciplines are not for everyone, and a temptation to be legalistic in our spiritual disciplines is very real, the lack of hunger for the word of God amongst the people of God has become quite alarming. Not only does your average church member not hunger for the word, they know very little of it. With the start of a new year, the systematic and intentional intake of God’s word are fresh on my mind and heart. I just began my 4th reading plan in 4 years and I am more excited to read through the word than I was when I first began. We are 9 days into a brand new year. A great time to grab a reading plan and begin the journey through God’s word.

Here’s why. According to Biblica (an organization whose mission is “Transforming lives through God’s word”) Bible reading is down in churches. Their research concluded 3 key reasons for this:

1. People read it in fragments
2. People read it a-historically
3. People read it in isolation

Here is what Peter Enns* summarized regarding these conclusions:

In fragments, meaning in the verse level rather than in large sections. A focus on verses not only encourages proof-texting, but prevents readers from seeing the larger points of biblical works–whether we are talking about a letter like Romans, or large narratives such as we find in the Old Testament.

A-historically, meaning without a feel for the historical context of the texts being read. Many Christians might be unnerved to learn that the present ordering of the books of the Bible is relatively late and wasn’t “finalized” until the mass production of the 16th c. Geneva Bible made possible by the printing press. There is nothing whatsoever sacred about the order we are used to, and switching things up can actually help people connect more with the texts.

In isolation, meaning individual “devotions” rather than in groups. The idea here–completely correct, if you ask me–is that reading Scripture is meant to be a community task for mutual enlightenment and encouragement.

*excerpts take from http://www.patheos.com/blogs/peterenns/2014/01/3-biggest-reasons-why-bible-reading-is-down/

While devotionals can serve as helpful tools in acquainting one with the Bible, they should be treated in the same way baby food is used by parents. Once a child moves on to solid, “real” food, the parent must adjust their diet to meet the physical needs of the child. There ought to be a point where a follower of Christ moves on from the milk of the word to solid food, the meat, in order to meet the spiritual needs of the believer. Isn’t this what the author of Hebrews means when he says:

“11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Heb. 5:11-14)

Journeying through the whole counsel of God will take your engagement with the word of God to a new level. Followers of Christ are called to growth and maturity. We must press on and get beyond simple devotional thoughts from the word of God. The Christian faith is rich and we must plumb the depths of God’s revelation in order mine all that we can in the short life that we have.

Much more could be said, but I close with a couple of questions: Are you consuming God’s word more than you were a year ago? Five years ago? Be intentional, get a plan, pray against legalism and eat to your heart’s content!