by By Alex Shianda
1. We have no Bible reading plan.
It’s possible we have started the year and not taken any action to find a Bible reading plan. A plan shows our intentionality to read the Bible. It gives us a map of how we will go about seeking God through his word. Without a plan, we will drift throughout the year. Proverbs 16:3 says, ‘Commit your actions to the Lord , and your plans will succeed’. Trust God to find a plan then challenge yourself to stick to it.
2. We have signed up for too many Bible reading plans.
The adage that too much of something is poisonous is true. There is a plethora of Bible study and reading plans available and as the preacher advised in Ecclesiastes 12:12, you can wear yourself out with much study. There is time for everything (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Greed sometimes manifests itself as the fear of not having enough. Perhaps we desire more plans to show off or look more pious rather than eating enough to satisfy our hunger for God. Cultivate contentment. God’s word is a lamp for our feet (Psalm 119:105). It is enough light for our next step. We don’t need to see the whole runway as he is the one carrying us.
3.We have a plan but it is too big for us.
People don’t wake up and run marathons. They train for them. They learn working at their pace. Hill climbs. Flat terrain. Downhill. Rest for rejuvenation. Watching diet. The training is to ensure you don’t pass out or get injured during the race. Taking up a plan to read 50 chapters of your Bible daily may not be wise unless you are an avid reader with exceptional comprehension. Aristotle is quoted to have said, “know thyself”. Paul puts it better for us: “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”(Romans 12:3). Evaluate yourself. How does the reading plan integrate in your life?
4.We have outgrown our present plans
Have you seen a kid on a bike a size too small for them? They know how to ride a bike but can’t pedal or ride straight because they have outgrown the bicycle. Riding usually isn’t fun anymore for them. This is the case for some Christ followers. They have been believers for so long that they ought to be teaching others yet someone else is chewing for them the meat of the gospel to be given as puree (Hebrews 5:12-14). If we are comfortable with a plan we have used for many years, perhaps it is time to teach others how to use it. Your willingness to teach others what Christ said will yield a reward in this life and in the life to come.
5.We have no dedicated time to read our Bible
Everyone on planet earth has 24 hours in a day. How we spend the hours God has given us reveals our priorities. We fail to be good stewards of our time when we entertain idleness or keep idols. An idol is anything that might take God’s place in your hearts (1 John 5:21). God is to have first place in our lives (Exodus 20:3).
6.Busyness
Bill Hybels once said, “The pace at which I am doing the work of God is destroying the work of God in my life”. Busyness does this. Many of us live a rushed life. We unfortunately become tired and burnt out, even with spiritual matters. God, however, calls us to rest (Matthew 11:28) His rest gives spiritual refreshment. Intentionally slowly down to spend time with God to know him and his work will help us live wisely-doing God’s will not our will.
7.Comparing yourself with others.
Paul says a person lacks knowledge when they compare themselves with others using themselves as the standard (2 Corinthians 10:12). Each of us is to focus on the race before us. Looking at another person’s study plans with envy or as benighted will hinder your Bible reading.
8.Refusing accountability
Scripture challenges us to spur one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). Receiving the good work of correction for how we handled a text in the Bible or a life issue in view of scripture from another believer is commendable. It is the kindness the psalmist speaks of when he says to let the godly strike him (Psalm 141:5). If we, however, refuse accountability, we miss out on a crucial element of discipleship.
9.Ignoring spiritual warfare
Satan can steal the believers weapon for spiritual warfare: the Bible. We see him tempting Jesus by quoting scripture to him (Matthew 4:6). How much more would he not want you to have your sword of the spirit or your belt of truth (Ephesians 6:17)? Satan would also want you to be familiar with God’s word like Nadab and Abihu and lose the awe of God. We profane the worship of God when we don’t revere his word.
10.Translation choice
Many of us Bible readers don’t read the publisher’s introductory notes available in the first pages of our Bibles. If we did, we’d know the translation philosophy and target reading age that informed its vocabulary choice. Ideally, we are to pick a Bible translation in our first language. Don’t think you are too old to read a translation targeting early readers because you may lack proficiency in the translation’s language. God’s word can be trusted (Psalm 119:137). Let God teach you his commands in a written language that makes sense to you (Psalm 119:73).
