Last updated on September 12th, 2023 at 02:31 am
If you were to sit in any preaching service, or a Sunday School, at some point you would inevitably hear about the importance of Scripture. It is essential that we take time each day to reflect on and read the Word of God. I heard this truth for years before I started taking real steps to make it a part of my life. What changed for me to make this happen?
I learned the importance of the “input-output” principle. It’s really simple, so many people brush over it and miss it.
What goes in, comes out.
The Input-Output Principle
This is applicable in every area of your life: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What I eat comes out through my digestive system. What I read and hear structures how I think. Who and what I allow into my emotional sphere influences how I feel. What I allow into my spiritual life influences my walk with Christ.
The input-output principle isn’t something I just made up. It’s backed up Biblically in Matthew 15:17-18.
Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Matthew 15:17-18
So, it would make perfect sense then for me to surround myself with good things. Things that edified my mind, spirit, and body right? Of course. The hang-up is the fact that we live in a sin-cursed world. Short of being a hermit in the woods (which is something you should never do, as it cripples your ability to fulfill the Great Commission), you will have exposure to sinful behavior.
The issue that many of us have is that we don’t simply experience sinful exposure through our daily life, we gravitate towards it. We intentionally listen to that music, watch those movies, or read those books. We intentionally hang out with those friends, go to that party, or work social, or get-together. The reason we do this is because, in our minds, there is a wall between the Word and our hearts.
For instance, many would agree that the verse that says “Set your affections on things above, and not things below” is a really good verse. Shoot, some would even say it would make a good bumper sticker, Instagram caption, or T-shirt graphic. Sadly, that is the farthest that many of us would go to to incorporate that Scripture in our lives. When we felt the urge to set our affections on lustful things, dangerous things, or other sinful things, that verse would probably not be the first thing that came to our mind. Why? Because, for many of us, it simply wouldn’t be there. Why? Because we haven’t memorized it.
I would say that verse memorization is the most overlooked and underutilized tool in the Christian toolbox. This is why, as Men of Might, we must make an intentional effort to make Scripture memory part of our daily routine and our daily habit, lest we be caught unaware when temptation strikes. After all, Scripture is the most powerful deterrent to any temptation. How do I know this? Well, this is the tactic that Jesus used to overcome Satan in Matthew 4.
1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:1-4
I would encourage you to read the whole story, rather than simply the snippet I have provided. 3 times Jesus is tempted by Satan. 3 times he responded with “It is written…” That tells me that Jesus memorized Scripture. If I am to truly model my life after His, I must as well.
It is important to know that the original Greek word for “hungred” in verse 2 was peinao (pronounced pi-nah’-o). Jesus wasn’t hungry like you and I are when we have an early breakfast and it’s getting close to lunchtime. No. That Greek word means He was absolutely famished. He craved something to eat, and the devil offered him a way to get food, but Jesus refused.
The message here is twofold. Not only are we to memorize Scripture because it’s a wise thing to do to combat the wiles of Satan, but also because we must be fed. Notice verse 4. Jesus compares the Scriptures to physical bread. The sustenance of our physical life is physical food (like bread). Our bodies break down these foods into nutrients that we use to grow and sustain ourselves. Without food, we starve and die. A child who does not eat will not grow. Similarly, a Christian who doesn’t feast on the Word of God will not grow.
Do you want to know why you can’t seem to get a grip on yourself? Do you want to know why you can’t seem to defeat that giant in your life or that secret sin? Could it be because you haven’t grown? I don’t doubt that some of you are trying to stand up to the giants in your life. But, if you’ve starved yourself to the point where you are spiritually weak, then the slightest breeze of temptation will send you tumbling to the ground.
There’s only one way to improve your predicament. You must get in the Word. You must “Hide it in your heart” so that when temptations come, the Holy Spirit brings the truth of God’s Words to your mind. Doing so will enable you to stand against the fiery darts of the Devil just as Jesus did.
Now, if you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, then that must be the first step. A habit of Scripture memorization will be of no benefit to you because you have not received The Holy Spirit to interpret it in your soul. You may be able to admire the beauty of the Words of God from a superficial standpoint and understand what they mean in a generalized sense, but the rich knowledge that comes with truly understanding it only comes after you’ve given your life to Christ.
I’m always one for practical application. Too many people blab their mouths, flap their jaws, and never take any real action. I will be the first to admit that Scripture memorization is something that I will be working on for the rest of my life. I have a whiteboard in my kitchen with verses I’m working on memorizing. As I make my lunch in the morning and as I’m driving to work, I take time to rehearse Scripture. If my mind is racing at night as I lay in bed, waiting to fall asleep, I try to rehearse Scripture. This is what I have found works best for me. It is up to you to find a part of your day where you can incorporate it
When I feel tempted, I am working on training my gut response to be “What does God’s Word have to say about this?”, rather than simply falling into whatever it is. As I continue to learn and memorize verses, the answer to that question is becoming easier and quicker to find. It will be for you too if you apply yourself.
One way to take the first step right now is to begin the Man of Might 11 under 11 challenge. 11 verses, each at or under 11 words, that you can print out and take with you, or just save as a pdf to your phone to review daily. This is a great way to dip your toes into Scripture memorization with some simple verses that are loaded with practical application and encouragement. Just sign up below if you’re interested! Bonus points if you can memorize all 11 in under 11 days 😁.
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