We were having dinner sometime ago when my younger daughter looked at me and said, “Daddy, I still remember what I read in the Bible last week.” Then she quoted it to me word for word. That small moment at the table reminded me again why we must not outgrow memorizing the word of God.
Friend, there are things you should never outgrow. One of such is memorizing Scripture (1 Timothy 4:16). A lot of us from Christian homes grew up doing it. I still remember “Sword Drills” in Sunday school, where kids raced to find verses. I even knew a boy who could quote all of Psalm 119 off-hand.
So what happened? Why did we drop that practice? What replaced that early training in scriptures and spiritual matters (2 Timothy 3:15)? Worse still, not many children’s churches still build that discipline into their curriculum. We now gather children to entertain them rather than to educate and empower them (2 Timothy 1:5).
As an adult, don’t think that memorizing scriptures is no longer necessary for growth and development (Joshua 1:8). Actually, the very habits and disciplines that helped you grow are the same ones that will sustain your growth. Have you stopped growing as you should? Check your habits and disciplines (1 Timothy 4:15).
When I preach, I often quote Scripture off-hand. But it comes at a cost and with discipline (Psalm 119:96-100). My childhood upbringing played a big role, but I’ve had to sustain it. Sometimes, I open the same verses several times a day to make sure they stick. It’s not a gift. It’s a discipline (Luke 2:46-52).
The instruction to meditate on and apply Scripture was given to everyone, not only pastors (Joshua 1:8). Like Timothy, knowing the Scriptures makes you wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). Unfortunately, some are saved but not wise. If the Word of God is your weapon, then you must remember to use it (Psalm 149:6-9).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria