In a world that demands so much of us, it’s challenging to dedicate the time needed to pursue our calling. Amidst the daily pressures, how can we truly achieve success? Where do I even start?

Matthew 22:37 instructs us to love “the Lord our God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Following this, verse 39 continues, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Clearly, loving God is the highest and most important calling we will ever have in this life. Nothing compares, not your spouse, your children, your job; nothing! Many of us, though, prioritize these things over our highest calling. As a result, we eventually find ourselves wondering why our lives feel unfulfilled, lack joy, and bear no fruit.

Obviously, you can’t love someone unless you spend time with them. Yet all too often, we falsely believe that attending an hour or so on Sunday at church is sufficient. While attending church services regularly is a good thing, it’s not enough. Building a deep relationship with the God of heaven and earth requires more than a weekly encounter. It requires an ongoing relationship based on true intimacy. This is how God reveals Himself to His children and how transformation takes place. In his book, “Growing Up,” Robby Gallaty says, “You cannot be a true disciple of Christ apart from His word.”

So, the real question is, how can you create a consistent habit of reading scripture? This begs the question of what adjustments might be required. Do you need to adjust your sleep schedule by going to bed earlier to wake up earlier? Is it feasible to forgo lunch in favor of some Bible reading? Or perhaps the answer lies in sacrificing your favorite television programs to spend that time with the Lord? Whatever you need to adjust, just do it! It will change your life!

Did you know that reading scripture at least four days a week is beneficial not only for your spiritual health but also for your mental and physical health? The Center for Bible Engagement did a study. They found scientific evidence suggesting that Christians who read their Bible four days per week have lower odds of participating in certain activities. These activities include drinking excessively, engaging in extramarital affairs, pornography, and gambling. Considering this, isn’t even more important to do whatever is necessary to immerse ourselves in the Word?

To learn more about this study and other other studies from the Center for Bible Engagement click on the link below:

https://www.centerforbibleengagement.org/research

As you establish a habit of reading His Word, ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to His truths. Let the Spirit of God transform you as you grow in depth and understanding of who He is. As your love for Him deepens, you will want to be obedient to His commands and serve Him. It will no longer be a “to do” list. Rather, you will want to serve and obey Him out of love rather than out of duty.