I plan to read through the Bible cover to cover again this year. As best I can, I try to make reading habitual. I usually read early in the morning with coffee and journal close at hand. As I continue day after day, I look forward to these quiet moments in my schedule.

Even then, some days I’m tempted to skip. To fight this tendency it helps me to stay aware of several habit-busters that derail my efforts. Here’s a few I beat back regularly:

1. I’m busy

I stay engaged most of the day. However, I 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. I’m rarely too busy to read a section of Scripture.

2. The Bible is boring

Let’s face it, the book of Numbers is boring. But to stay bored with the Bible 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, along with most 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. I left this excuse behind long ago, but still it pops to mind occasionally.

4. I prefer the New Testament to the Old

I pick and choose the parts of the Bible I favor. Focusing on certain sections of the Bible, while ignoring less palatable ones, emerges from my right to live life as I please—just like the buffet line where I slide past the vegetables and pile on the desserts. Avoiding uncomfortable biblical texts actually cuts the power out of the Scriptures.

5. Social media

I catch up on news. I watch sports highlights. Or I just swipe in boredom. Social media is the greatest disseminator of ignorance in human history. Why waste my time here?

6. I’ll listen to a sermon instead

So many good sermons and storytellers. But even the best, most godly people fail to speak words as powerfully as the Holy Spirit (unless they quote the Holy Scripture). Substituting podcasts for scripture is no substitute for personal time in the text.

7. I get tired of reading

I also like to listen to the Bible. Teachers taught the scriptures orally for years and years. Hearing passages spoken out loud creates new ways to unearth the wonders of the text. Lots of great recordings of the Bible exist, and I can listen most anywhere.

8. I’m lazy

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

In Summary

As you can see, I’ve developed some pretty good habit-busters. You may 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.

The Word of God is living and active—far more powerful than we give it credit. My heart and soul, as well as the people around me, are better off as I develop—and stick with—the habit of giving part of my day to the Scriptures.

Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Joshua Hoehne