Here are some ways I've realized I treat God's Word with disrespect:
- I don't read it.
- I read it to feel good or encouraged instead of reading it to hear what God has to say to me (that may lead to feeling good or being encouraged, but I better not ever approach His living Word with my own, strict agenda)
- I do not engage my mind when reading it (do I engage Scripture as I do a good book? Do I seek to understand? do I wrestle with the meaning? Do I let it take me down roads of logic and thought?)
- I settle on the first impression of meaning that comes to my head instead of digging and searching and comparing that impression with the rest of Scripture. (Scripture's depth is fathomless, but it's message is crystal clear).
- I don't devote time--personal time, not "devotions" time--to study His Word.
- I disrespect the preached Word of God by not preparing (too busy), not engaging (too sleepy/distracted), and not applying (too much work).
- I don't read books that help me understand my Bible better.
If I want to know God, I must know Him through the only book He gave me!
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
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