#22 Homework, but not Homework
There was this episode of one of my favorite shows House where they all go back and forth diagnosing a patient, It’s cancer, but it’s not cancer. It was a really interesting episode but back and forth House went saying it was cancer then saying it wasn’t. Then it ended up being something that acted like cancer that was cancer.
What acts like homework that isn’t homework?
- Personal devotions and bible reading time with God.
Why is it so hard to keep up with daily devotions?
Well because there a couple things about devotions that makes it like homework but not. And honestly, who enjoys doing homework. (I do… but I’m a major nerd)
Homework we are penalized for not doing. Devotions we are not.
We feel guilty when we don’t do devotions but you can rationalize that God loves you even if you don’t do them. You are only hurting yourself.
Homework is a daily event. Devotions should be a daily event. But it is not an assignment. You don’t have to stick to one type of devotion time. You can switch it up. Homework just stays homework. Subject matter changes but it is still the same paper, worksheet, math problems, reading assignment… devotions can change it up. You can take a bible passage and make it a skit. Or make it into a song. You can memorize the stuff you can read a book about the Bible verses. Homework is just the same homework.
Homework, can be boring. Devotions should never be boring!
Homework teaches you many things and helps you practice what you learn in class. Devotions definitely teaches things and helps you put into practice when you learn about Christian living (wherever the source, church, the Bible, other people).
So again, why are devotions so hard for people to stick to?
Self-discipline.
That is the bottom line. We have to have the self discipline to want to do it. It is a daily regiment that once you start you pretty much can’t stop. If you find it boring, do a different type of devotion. Pray to God to make the Bible like a movie for you. (That seriously works). God wants you to read and enjoy his Bible. And If you want a movie-like story. Go read the David Saga in 1 and 2 Samuel. If you want a soap opera like read, just read anywhere in the Old Testament History books (Judges through 1&2 Chronicles) You can skip over the naming of generations, or the “and they conquered this town with this many people” parts but seriously the Bible is a good read. I suggest the Message Translation if you want a story.
I digress. Self discipline. No one can force you to do your daily bible reading. No one can force you to pray to God. You won’t be penalized. God loves you the same. That’s why it is so hard to stick with it. There is no tangible reward for doing this task every day. You don’t get a degree, you don’t get a job from it
HOWEVER, you do get closer to the Maker of the Universe. You do please him by learning about him. He wants us to hide his Word in our hearts so that no one can steal it away from us. We can use his Word like a sword when the going gets rough. We can use his word to encourage us when the forecast for our lives is overcast with showers every day. We can use his Word like a shield for defense against the enemy.
The enemy knows the Word. So should we.
The enemy USES the Word (ref Matt & Luke 4), so should we.
We need to learn how to read the whole word and not just sections. Don’t stop at chapters. Read complete sentences, not verses.
It was even on the radio this morning, Donna Cruz (WAY-FM) said What you feed on you crave. When we feed on the Word, we start to Crave the Word and the only satisfaction we get for that craving is more of it. There is no such thing as having too much of the Word.
SO. I encourage you. Don’t think of devotions as homework. It’s homework but it isn’t. AND Don’t just read the Bible, let the Bible read you.
Suggestions for topics:
Story-like history: Old Testament History books mentioned previously
Poetry: Proverbs and Psalms and Ecclesiastes (though Eccl can be depressing)
Like FML.com … you want to feel better about your life, read Lamentations
in Awe of God Stories… Genesis & Exodus, Revelation
Jesus stories: in this order I suggest reading John, Mark, Matthew, Luke, Acts
Instructions for daily living: Proverbs, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Ephesians
Tough stuff to swallow: James, 1&2 Peter, Hebrews
Confusing stories that would make an awesome movie: Revelation, Ezekiel
Brushing up on proving Jesus is real and the Christ: Isaiah, Micah
