Why we should memorize scripture is perhaps more important than how we should memorize scripture...
While the dialogue may have been intended to encourage you, instead there is a good chance you walk away feeling inferior to the scripture recall skills of your conversant.
The fact is, the #1 reason to memorize scripture has nothing to do with ever reciting it to anyone but yourself.
Many Christians do not memorize scripture, and as a result, they never experience its transforming power. Recalling a verse you have memorized in the moment you need it is one of the primary ways the Holy Spirit guides us towards habits of righteousness and away from sin. In those moments, you will feel empowered in amazing new ways!
Let me give you an example. I love sweets. In fact, my sweet tooth is a bit of an idol as I have to have something sweet after about every meal. At about 9:00 pm, my stomach is growling a bit. I remember there is an extra piece of chocolate cheesecake in the fridge. This is a very tempting thought. In that moment, I recite Galatians 5:16 to myself (“This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not be tempted by the flesh”). It is enough for me to be motivated to conquer this temptation, brush my teeth, and go to bed.
The exact same verse can stop me from lusting, gambling, etc, in ways that transform my attitudes and my consequent behaviors. Over time, I lead a transformed life that is more righteous than before I chose to start memorizing scripture.
Today, I earnestly implore you to start the habit of memorizing scripture, if you haven't already. Even if you memorize only 1 verse every month, I promise you, it will help transform your life for the better.
Please share you progress in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you. You could also subscribe to our “Daily Sword” RSS feed that broadcasts periodic memory verses. We highlight specific verses at the Daily Sword and how they are applied in specific circumstances to help you see how the discipline of scripture memory works.
