“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15

Many years ago, when my kids were little, we attended several churches that had a program called AWANA1 (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed). It is a children’s Bible-based program that encourages young learners to commit Bible verses to memory. I was an assistant with this program, and each week children came to me to recite Bible verses they committed to memory during the week.

As I think about these young children coming in who eagerly desired for me to sit down and listen to them recite Bible verses, I recall their excitement! Many children would recite the scriptures they had memorized with much enthusiasm. Watching and listening to them was equally exciting for me as I watched them explode with happiness as well as a proud reflection when I told them: “you did great – I am very proud of you!” Their excitement was palpable, but more importantly, their keen motivation to tuck scripture away in their memory was inspirational for me! That makes me think of a Bible verse: “…and a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6b). Sometimes we never know who we will draw inspiration from, do we?

When I was the age of these children that I had a chance to listen to and encourage, I did not devote time towards remembering Bible verses. It would not be until I was way into adulthood that I realized that I had committed very few Bible verses to memory which was convicting for me. I realized I needed to start reading and remembering! As I developed a disciplined routine of reading God’s Word daily and committed time to memorize Bible verses, this routine became addictive to the extent I had to keep reading every chance I had. Likewise, remembering scripture was also of great priority, and that too compelled me to continue reading and memorizing these essential passages.

If we treasure the Bible in our hearts, this will help to prevent us from going astray (Psalm 119:11). If we let the Word of God richly dwell within us, we will gain wisdom (Colossians 3:16). If we keep the Bible in our hearts, our steps will not slip (Psalm 37:31). Joshua 1:8 (NIV) offers much encouragement to read the Bible and commit it to memory: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” As I read the Word of God and commit it to memory, God will equip me for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). As I spend time reading the Bible and following the teaching provided, I will be someone approved and a worker who does not need to be ashamed! Amen!

Self-refection consideration: Do I need to spend more time reading the Bible and committing essential passages to memory?

Many blessings to you!

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^{1. AWANA is a Registered Trademark of Awana® Clubs International. All rights reserved.}

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