Four Steps to Make Bible Study a Habit
By Rick Warren
“If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples.” John 8:31 (NASB)
If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’ve probably made a commitment at some point to read your Bible regularly. Maybe you committed to reading it every day for a week. Maybe you read it for a month. Committing to reading the Bible for a set period of time is a great way to get started—but you shouldn’t stop there.
Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31 NASB). It’s the long-term commitment to learning from Jesus and his Word that makes you his disciple.
But how do you continue in the Word? How do you stay connected with Jesus through the Bible long-term?
1. Make the decision to do it. It starts with your commitment. Don’t wait for a better time to make God’s Word a regular part of your life. Start your commitment today.
2. Make a declaration. Announce your intentions to others. Hold yourself accountable. If you keep your commitment to God a secret, it’s easier to slip up.
3. Make a determination. Don’t allow anything to knock you off your commitment. Be absolutely determined to make this a permanent habit in your life, particularly in the early months. If you start skipping days, it’ll be much harder to stay committed to God’s Word.
4. Double up. Get a spiritual partner to come alongside you for support and encouragement. This is someone with whom you can share what you learn in your quiet times. It could be someone in your small group, a friend, or a family member. The Bible says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT).
Spending time with God should be a lifelong habit, not a passing fancy. Research shows you need to do something for about six weeks straight to build a habit. Make God’s Word part of your life today—and for the rest of your life.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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