A challenge from Seth Blanton, one of our Elders
Memorizing scripture is rightly described as a discipline. Any discipline requires a rejection of comfort in favor of leaning into a challenge. Of course, discipline comes with confidence in the reward that awaits us at the end of our hard work. I am so happy to see HP Kids leaning into memorizing the Christmas Story this year.
My greatest experiences with scripture memory have come through learning of longer passages, because it became a way for me to systematize scripture meditation. I realize “systematize” does not sound very spiritual, but that’s exactly what it force me to do. Rather than mechanically learning the words, it becomes easier to remember the passages as they are understood. So words form thoughts, thoughts become paragraphs and paragraphs turn into chapters. And as these thoughts are processed in the mind, they begin to transform the heart.
This blog kickstarted my desire to memorize scripture, and my gratitude for it runs deep. God has used truths from scripture memorization to radically alter the course of my life. Memorizing scripture, whether in short or long form is a worthwhile endeavor and a discipline worth cultivating personally, with your family and corporately.