Increasing Bible engagement …
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the broad meaning for “wax” or “waxed” is “increase”. Although the Hebrew word for “wax” is translated into English as “increase,” it specifically means either an “increase in increase” or, seemingly paradoxically, but logically, an “increase in decrease.” Like where “David grew (waxed) stronger and stronger” while “Saul grew (waxed) weaker and weaker.” 2 Samuel 3:1.
Sometimes, we’re doing well with our Bible engagement, and sometimes, not so well (Romans 7:15). How are you doing? I’m more up than down at the moment. The more I read the Word, the more it’s reading me. But it might not be like that in a few months. That’s because there’s an ongoing war inside me. While the Spirit inclines me to wax stronger, my flesh inclines me to wax weaker.
This begs the question: How can we grow stronger and stronger in reading, reflecting, and responding to the Word? Here are three ways to increase Bible Engagement:
Use a Bible reading guide.
I find Bible reading plans tend to be the death of me. When I hit Leviticus, I’m starting to yawn, and when I get to Numbers, my days are numbered! Bible reading plans also feel mechanical. I want to read the Word to meet with Jesus – never to check a box simply for the sake of reading through the Bible in a year. While I don’t like reading plans, I find reading guides helpful. Reading guides, like the Scripture Union Guides, steer the reader through the whole Bible in 4-5 years. It’s a slower reading focused on reflection, and it helps me contemplate the Word in manageable portions. Most importantly, a reading guide includes suggestions on how to apply the Word – and that’s essential.
Spice it up.
William Cowper, in his poem The Task, says, “Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” When Bible reading seems to lose its flavour it may be helpful to spice it up. There are many ways to spice it up. Sometimes, I’ll read from a different version, listen to an audio adaptation, or watch a Bible video. Children can spice it up with a free Bible game like Guardians of Ancora. Writing the Word, singing the Word, memorizing it, dramatizing it, journaling it, drawing it, or praying it also helps me spice it up. Loads of online options help us spice it up, too. There’s the YouVersion app, Bible Gateway, Study Bible apps, or journaling apps for sharing readings with others like the Replicate app.
Do it together.
“Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Bible engagement is easier when we do it together. Sometimes, reading the Bible with a friend or family member is the only motivation that gets us into God’s Word when we’re tired, frazzled, or plagued by the tyranny of the urgent. That’s because when someone else encourages us to read and reflect on God’s Word, it tends to lighten the load, strengthen the discipline of Bible reading, and spur us on.
Bible apps make this easy. They let you see what your friends have highlighted, enable you to read their margin comments, facilitate the sharing of passages with social graphics, or make it possible to read Bible guides together. But for me, there’s nothing to beat face-to-face Bible engagement. Most nights, I read the Bible with my family at the dinner table. Our discussions flowing from the Bible reading are usually stimulating and grounding. And because we do Bible engagement together, it’s the glue that binds us to one another and Jesus.
That’s it in a nutshell. Bible engagement usually increases when we use a Bible reading guide, spice it up, or do it together. So, here’s to waxing stronger and stronger!
Read the related articles to learn more. Please share additional suggestions for increasing Bible engagement in the comments below.
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Summary
Increasing Bible engagement involves intentional practices that foster spiritual growth. Three effective ways to boost engagement are using a Bible reading guide for deeper reflection, spicing up the reading routine with varied methods like different versions or media, and reading the Bible with others for mutual encouragement. These approaches help strengthen discipline and deepen understanding, making Bible engagement more meaningful and impactful. Ultimately, consistent and creative interaction with God’s Word can lead to spiritual growth.
© Scripture Union Canada
