Motivated Memory Work

To me, the most noteworthy benefits of memorizing Scripture are those we experience on a personal level. These include joy, peace and “good success” (Josh. 1:8). It is, however, important to recognize that the world naturally holds Christians to a higher standard of Biblical competence than those who deny its inspiration altogether. In my experience, unbelievers think it only natural that an ambassador for Christ would be well-versed in the Bible (pun intended) and able to defend his or her faith confidently.

Of course the source of your motivation to memorize shouldn’t be a desire to please others. Our human nature is to prioritize what is personally necessary above that which is done for the benefit of others, meaning your commitment to Scripture memory is much more likely to be weakened by the “cares of this life” if not rooted in a realization of its power to transform your own walk with God (Luke 21:34).

As I shared last week, the potency of God’s words far surpasses that of our own. Our analysis of truth cannot be compared to the absolute truth of the Bible, meaning our preparedness to defend any Biblical doctrine is directly related to our knowledge of exactly what God says about it. It’s for this reason that we should be careful to memorize a healthy balance of verses that apply to a variety of doctrinal topics.

Of course you’ll never be able to give a chapter-and-verse answer for every possible spiritual question. That’s not the point. There will always be a need for printed copies of the Bible and those who are humble enough to admit they don’t have all the answers. Our job is simply to be faithful in what God says is important, and to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).