As a follower of Jesus, I know the value of reading my Bible. But the Bible is a big, intimidating book, filled with thee’s and thou’s, odd names and arcane rules. Some days I think, maybe I’ll just skip it. If that’s the way you’re feeling, here’s some handy excuses I tell myself to avoid my times of reading.

1. I’m too busy.

I am somewhat busy, and I stay engaged most of the day. However, I do have free time with my morning coffee, a window during my commute, a break at lunch, and a bit of peace before my eyes close at night. When trying not to morph such moments into a time to read (or listen) to a chapter or two of my Bible, I revert to scrolling the news on my phone.

2. The Bible is boring.

The book of Numbers—for sure boring. But to stay bored I must avoid the story of the woman who killed a man with a tent peg, or the king who died with maggots dripping from his bowels. I should also stay away from the life of Moses, and Jesus, and most all of the rest of the Bible.

3. The Bible is not relevant to my life.

The words of Scripture hold the potential to change everything about me—why I live my life, where I spend my money, who I run with, the way I think about my future—my very reason for being. Best leave it alone.

4. I prefer the New Testament God to the Old Testament one.

As an intelligent person I should be able to pick and choose the parts of the Bible I prefer, right? Just like on the buffet line when I slide past the vegetables and pile on the desserts. Choosing certain sections of the Bible, while ignoring less palatable ones, emerges from my right to live life as I please. I’ve learned to avoid uncomfortable biblical texts (but I can’t escape feeling like I’m creating a god in an image I prefer).

5. Social media pulls me in.

On average, people spend 2 1/2 hours per day on social media. No way I want to cut into that—I might miss a funny video or a picture of my friend’s lunch. Heck, I might even miss a picture of myself! So I swipe a few more minutes.

6. I listen to a podcast.

So many good stories and storytellers. But even the best speakers and most godly people fail to speak words as powerful as the Holy Scripture (unless they quote the Holy Scripture). Listening in this way is a subtle, weaker substitute for personal time in the text. As a bonus, I rarely come away convicted.

7. I don’t like to read.

Actually, I love to read. But the Bible is one of a thousand interesting books, and a big book, at that. Bigger than Moby Dick or War and Peace. When I keep the bigness in focus I forget that the Bible is divided into 66 smaller parts. Of course, I must ignore all the ways I can listen to the Bible (even as a podcast), or this excuse fails.

8. I’m lazy.

Now we’re at the root of the issue. It’s easier to watch TV and let my mind slowly corrode than engage with the Scriptures.

Summary

As you can see, I’ve developed a pretty good list of excuses. You can borrow any of these you want, or add some of your own. Even though I read through the Bible annually, I still have to fight through the inertia of getting started some days.

Remember, time in the Word of God is worth the effort. Your heart and soul, as well as those around you, will be better for it.

Week fifty-two of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by camilo jimenez