“A shot? Seriously?” asked my then twelve-year-old daughter, “I thought I was finished with those.”
“This is a booster shot, ” I explained, “It will help ‘remind’ your immune system that the bacteria which can cause tetanus is already known as foreign to the body and therefore should be attacked. If the immune system does not recognize it and stop it, the bacteria could take up residence and multiply, making eradication a potentially long and arduous, even fatal process.”
This shot was serious business, even though it might seem like something we could skip.
So not what she wanted to hear. She wanted a once-and-done experience, that was completed years ago.
Just like daily Scripture reading. Once we made that decision to follow Christ, do we need to continue studying the Bible?
We can’t go for long periods of time without reading God’s word. We could find our spiritual immune system weakening. Our spirits need ‘reminded’ of God’s truth. We need our minds to recognize sinful thoughts and actions, before sin takes root and grows into full-blown infection!
Reading Scripture is like getting a spiritual booster shot.
God’s truths bolster our spirits, our hearts, and our minds. God’s words remind our spirits how to recognize thoughts and actions foreign to a Christ-like lifestyle. God-breathed Scripture helps us recognize and fight foreign sinful temptations. Reading God’s word keeps us close to Him.
Sometimes it’s easy to think about Scripture reading like a twelve-year-old considering a booster shot.
“Do I really need it?”
I have found whether I avoid it, or just simply get distracted, I tend to regret not making the time for rejuvenating my spirit and reenergizing my soul. How silly to think I do not need to safeguard myself against infectious temptations so prevalent in this world!
Every day we are on this earth has temptation potential, like every rusty nail has infection potential. Just as we protect ourselves against physical infections, we need to protect ourselves against spiritual temptations. Our hearts require a ready recollection of both God’s promises and commands to keep us close to Him.
We can trust His promise in James 4:8 that assures us God will draw nearer to us as we draw nearer to Him. As we pursue Him, He pursues us and shields and strengthens us all the more. Doesn’t that move the motivation meter sky high?
So while you may now recall you need to schedule that tetanus booster, let’s make sure we also schedule in that Scripture study time. And, daily Bible reading is so much more pleasant than anything involving a needle!
Prayer: Dear Lord, How many times do I still have You unchecked on my to-do list at the close of the day? Help me prioritize You and treasure time in Your word. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness to me, even as I struggle to remain faithful to You. Help me recall both Your faithfulness and Your promise to draw closer to me, bolstering my faith. Thank You Lord, In Jesus’ name, Amen.