There are many who scoff at memorization. If you can Google it, why memorize anything? Just do a quick Internet search though, and you'll find many credible sources telling you the importance of memorizing information.
Memorization is essential for learning. It helps us understand information, trains our brains to remember, and helps with cognitive decline. The more we memorize, the more we can think critically about the topic we memorize.
So what about Scripture memorization? Here are six reasons we should memorize God's Word:
1. To fight sin and Satan's attacks. Life can be tough, and we're in a battlefield. What better way to combat our sin nature and fend off the prince of this world than by the Sword of the Spirit, God's Word. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
2. To be a better encourager and provide wise counsel and comfort to others. God's Word is perfect and gives us hope in a dark world. Scripture is key to a supernatural peace and communicates wisdom so we can make the right choices. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. Psalm 37:31
3. To testify of God's goodness and share the good news of Jesus Christ. When telling your testimony, what God is doing in your life, and the essentials of the gospel message, reciting Bible verses can make a much bigger impact! All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
4. To be transformed by the renewal of our mind and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Devoting our minds to memorizing important verses, passages, chapters, and books helps strengthen and safeguard the knowledge we've acquired. The memorized Word leads to the renewal of minds and transformed lives (Romans 12:2).
5. We're told to do it. Colossians 3:16 says, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. The Bible isn't multiple-choice. If we truly love Jesus, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15) and do what He says.
6. Jesus did it. Dozens and dozens of times, we can read Jesus quoting Old Testament verses (e.g., Matthew 27:46-Psalm 22:1). As a 12-year-old, the teachers in the temple were amazed at Jesus' understanding and His answers (Luke 2:47), and He grew in wisdom and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Let's follow Christ's example and commit to treasuring God's Word in our hearts!
So there you have it. What are some other benefits of Scripture memorization? What are you memorizing right now? I would love to hear why you love memorizing Scripture and what God has been teaching you through this essential spiritual discipline. Soli Deo gloria!
