Being a Christian and not knowing the bible is like a Surgeon watching a TV show to learn how to operate. they may learn a few things here and there, but not enough to do the job. The fact of the matter is that the Bible was given to us by God as a set of life directions, and if we refuse to follow it, then we’re trying to do things on our own. So many people know that, yet so many refuse to open the Book.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and, training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work,”says 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Yes, that’s the claim I’m making—that most Christians do not read the Bible. At least not very much. Researchsupports this assumption (though the exact figures vary), and my life experience confirms it.
The Number 1 reason people give for not reading the Bible is (of course), “I don’t have time.” But that’s not really a reason. We all have the same amount of time each day. We all choose to spend it on what’s most important to us.
So why don’t people—particularly Christian people—choose to spend time reading the Bible? Here’s what I think:
1. They secretly believe it doesn’t really matter.
Honestly, I think a lot of Christians put the Bible in the same category as other literary classics—it’s something they feel like they should read, but they don’t know exactly why. After all, it’s hard to prove whether reading the Bible does any measurable good—aren’t there plenty of nice, successful people who don’t read the Bible? And aren’t there plenty of jerks, racists, and annoying people who do? I think many Christians secretly wonder if the Bible does any good.
2. They would rather rely on professionals to read it and explain it to them.
Whether it’s their own pastor, or a celebrity theologian, Rick Warren or Joel Osteen, most Christians would rather be fed Biblical truths than feed themselves. And it’s true, religious professionals are probably better at gleaning, understanding, and teaching those truths than we ordinary amateurs. After all, they’ve had more practice. And if they’re better at it, why not just let them do it? As religion becomes more adept at packaging itself in entertaining, market-driven, user-friendly trappings, its adherents become more dependent and less self-sufficient.
3. They don’t have a support system.
Even if Christians do resolve to spend more time reading the Bible (as many do each January), sadly, most will fail. And I think the biggest factor in their failure is the lack of a support system. Many Christians believe that “personal devotions” should be, well, personal. So they try to go it alone. They don’t realize that not only is Bible-reading much richer in community with other people, it’s actually more accurate! Left to interpret the Bible in the privacy of our own hearts, we are likely to get it wrong. The Bible is meant to be read and understood in community. It’s more authentic that way, more effective, and more fun, and it’s far more likely to actually happen—because of the natural accountability a support system provides.
Mike I think you hit it dead on. Sadly, those who do NOT read the Bible are the same ones who have little to no understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, and are usually the first ones to fall away when tragedy strikes because they are NOT grounded in the grace and love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I appreciate what you do, as my brother in Christ, and pray God will strengthen you, and equip you to carry out the most important work He has called on you to do.