Is Memorizing Scripture Still Important?

Is Memorizing Scripture Still Important?

How many Bibles do you own? If your family is like most, you probably have several physical copies of God's Word in addition to the Bible app on your smartphone. As we enjoy virtually unlimited access to Scripture, it can be tempting to view Bible memory the same way we view running a marathon: a beneficial exercise for those who feel so inclined, but something the rest of us can opt out of with no shame.

Is memorizing Bible verses really a critical component of the Christian life? Or, is it a discipline reserved only for "elite" Christians and those with outstanding memories? The answer to this question is found in Psalm 1. In this familiar passage, the man of God is described as "a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers" (vs. 3). How do we reach this level of spiritual health? The answer is found in verse two: "his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night." Clearly, the psalmist viewed knowing Scripture as a prerequisite to a vibrant, fruitful walk with God.

How many verses of Scripture could you or your children recite from memory? Tragically, most of us find it easier to quote our favorite movies than to remember the words of Jesus - as if we can truly follow Christ without knowing what He said. Meanwhile, studies show that two-thirds of young people who grow up in the church will leave between the ages of 18 and 22. It shouldn't be surprising that people who don't know the Bible are more likely to walk away from the faith. After all, "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17).

Bible apps are great, but we need God's Word even closer than arm's reach: "But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it" (Deut. 30:14). Scripture Memory Fellowship's mission is to help you make this goal a reality. Whether you want to memorize verses on prayer or learn the entire Sermon on the Mount, we have resources to help! We can't promise that memorizing Scripture will be the easiest thing you do as a family, but we can guarantee you won't regret it.

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