The Importance of Rewards in Scripture Memory

When I was 14, I was memorizing less than a dozen scattered verses a year. A year later, I memorized the entire book of Jonah. What changed? 

The answer: I was offered a reward. I memorized all 48 verses of Jonah because a ministry offered me a full scholarship to their week-long summer camp if I could memorize and recite the whole book in one sitting. That ministry was Scripture Memory Fellowship. I was so excited that by the time the recitation deadline came, I was ready. That week of camp was one of the highlights of that year, and I continued to memorize for camp for three years after that until I graduated. 

While the edification we receive by hiding God’s Word in our hearts is an immensely valuable reward in and of itself (Ps 19:11), there is also value to be gained by incorporating additional rewards into your memory work. Whether it is just you or your whole family, creating rewards for yourself when you meet a memory goal will help you in many ways. 

First off, rewards promote accuracy. In order to receive the camp scholarship, I had to recite the passage according to a simple guideline: only three mistakes per chapter were allowed. This requirement motivated me to memorize the entire passage thoroughly and completely so that I could get it right the first time. Rewards increase the quality of your memorization efforts. 

Second, rewards promote quantity. Over the course of a year, the number of verses I memorized increased four-fold. While a week of camp might not be practical for everyone, there are many other options. Even something simple – like a sweet treat or a special activity as a reward for reciting X number of verses – can be of great assistance in motivating you to memorize more frequently. 

Third, rewards promote timeliness. Good rewards have a deadline. When I was memorizing for camp, I finished more verses in the last three weeks than I did in the first three months of memorizing. Many of us are busy with life and prone to procrastination. Setting a deadline propels you to action. 

Finally, rewards promote fellowship. Scripture Memory Camp is one example of this: people from all over the country and even the world came together for a full week as a reward for memorizing Scripture. Not only did I get to enjoy a whole week in the company of fellow memorizers, but I also met one of my best friends there! Shared/group rewards lead to lasting fellowship. 

As a long-time memorizer who has personally benefitted from them, I strongly encourage adding rewards to your Scripture memory routine. Not only will they enhance your Scripture memory experience, but they have the potential to lead to much, much more. You will reap their benefits for years to come, and also encourage yourself and others in the process! 

Some examples of rewards: 

• Use things you already enjoy doing as a reward. If you enjoy kayaking on the lake, for example, withhold that activity as a reward for when you reach a memorization goal. 
• Use a new experience as a reward. Eager to try that new restaurant downtown? Make it a reward for completing your goal. 
• Memorize with other people and recite together – reward of fellowship with the added value of accountability! Camp, ScriptureFests, and organized memory challenges are excellent ways to make this a reality. 

How to implement rewards into your memory routine: 

• Start reasonably. You don’t have to start slow, but choose a goal that is easy to hit. 
• Set your reward according to your need for incentivization. Some people are motivated to memorize for the reward of a $3 ice cream cone, while others need more on the line.  
• Try different reward types. Some methods will be more successful than others for you. Keep experimenting with multiple methods until you find the ones that work for you. 

May you be blessed as you memorize God’s Word!