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No doubt you’ve heard of “spiritual disciplines.” These are things we need to do in order to grow spiritually, such as reading your Bible, praying, fellowship with other believers, memorizing Scripture, etc. Frankly, I would like to find another word to describe these things because the word “discipline” just has so much baggage attached to it.
Discipline conjures up in our minds controls, regulations, rules, strictness—words that are not naturally inviting, wouldn’t you agree? I would rather call them spiritual benefits, spiritual privileges, spiritual birthrights—something like that. These are the things that make a huge difference in our growth as Christ-followers when we incorporate them into our daily lives. The benefits of these spiritual privileges are uniquely available to those who have been born again through faith in Christ.
So, are you taking advantage of your spiritual birthrights? Recently God put it on my heart to make it a high priority in my life to memorize Scripture on a more regular basis and encourage others to join me. We are beginning a new opportunity here at The Christian Working Woman, which I am calling “The Hidden Word.” The purpose is to encourage and inspire you to make memorizing Scripture a priority in your life, to give you a structured way you can do it, and to encourage you in every way possible to keep at it.
Why? Because this spiritual privilege has benefits like no other. From his book, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Chuck Swindoll wrote:
“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! . . .Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.”
Sounds like a deal too good to pass up.