usefulness of scripture :: Christian Home and Family

Spiritual Health – the essential first step

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.- 2 Timothy 3:16

I’ve already mentioned how vital it is for the leader in the home to be setting the pace. To do that, your spiritual lifehas to be on track. If that’s going to happen, you have to be increasing in your knowledge and wise application of the scriptures. Look at the benefits!

The ability to wisely teach.
The ability to wisely reprove.
The ability to correct as you ought.
The ability to train others (and yourself) in righteousness.

Isn’t that what your family needs from you? Then you MUST start with the scriptures.

There are as many ways of studying the scriptures as there are people. Nevertheless, I’m going to be posting some “tried and true” methods of Bible study that have proven to be beneficial over the years. But first, there’s something very basic you have to get straight.

Spiritual Health step #1: Make a plan

Nothing that you really want or need to do happens by accident. Bible study is no exception. You will have to make it happen (with the Spirit’s help), which means you need to have a plan.

Maybe planning sounds unspiritual to you, but it’s not. Paul said that one of the wonderful things the Holy Spirit desires to produce in your life is “self control.” (Galatians 5:23) Why self control? Because you need it in order to actually do what you need to do… study and learn the scriptures!

1. Plan a time.

Don’t expect that you’ll somehow “fit in” your Bible study. Believe me… you won’t. The demands of life will push Bible study out of your schedule. You also have a mortal enemy (satan) who will do everything he can to distract you an demolish your day so that you will not have time to spend in the scriptures. And if you are going to serve your family as a Dad, Mom, Grandparent, etc., you have to set the example of what a mature, godly Christian is. Don’t give yourself any excuses… you need to plan a time.

2. Make it a regular time

Regularity is key. New research shows that the oft-quoted “21-days to build a habit” is much too optimistic! For truly “new” habits it takes closer to 2 months! You’d better get started! I’d suggest you make it a daily appointment – on your calendar – non-negotiable. Consistency is your ally. It’s how you build good habits in action and thinking. Don’t let your week slip away… plan to spend time in the scriptures daily.

3. Organize your time in the scriptures.

Too often Christians pick up their Bibles without any idea of what they are going to read or study. They resort to a favorite passage, or flop open their Bible and read wherever the pages separate. Doesn’t the Lord deserve a more diligent effort than that? Don’t you need something a bit more specific to your life? You need a plan that guides you through some kind of systematic study, ensuring that you are learning and digesting the entire counsel of God over time.

You’ve got to start with Bible study… and you’ve got start it with a plan. Make the time. Make a plan. Stick with it. A wonderful plan that you don’t follow won’t do you any good.