Soulful Sunday: Loving the Bible #1

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Ok, so it has been a while since I did one of these posts and for those of you who enjoy it I apologise. For the past couple of months the new series that has been going on in my church is:

Loving the Bible

Throughout my life so far, I have met tons of people who quote bible verses at least 5 times a day. I won't lie, I have been slightly jealous of their ability to recall, word for word, passages of various chapters of various books in the bible that they had read. I will then proceed to go through phases where I would pick up my bible with the intention of finishing at least a book and knowing all the stories and morals of those stories by heart so that I too could "fit in". But that never happened. I hated being the one person that wouldn't be able to finish off a verse that someone started during a sermon or fellowship meeting or in a general conversation. It was just too embarrassing. 

I mean, how could I be the "only one" who didn't know all these verses?

But I guess I was missing the point back then. Instead of seeing it as an opportunity to learn, I was more focused on how I looked in front of others. Caring about what others think of you can be quite damaging at times. 

Being comfortable with one's self is key to reaching formerly unattainable goals in life. 

You are able to find the things about your self that you would like to improve and eagerly figure out ways of making those improvements in the right ways. This is something that I had to come to terms with. Not just related to my christian life but other aspects about myself that I despised disliked as well. I came to truly realise that I was not the only one in the world who doesn't have it all figured out just yet. 

We all have our own personal race to run; our paths are uniquely our own. 

Comparing yourself with others can be quite dangerous as it  invites jealousy into the mix which can set off a horrible chain reaction that only hurts your soul in the end. Seeing peoples' achievements as proof that it can be done, however, is a more positive way of seeing things. Be happy for them and let it be that extra push you need to get back up again and try your hand at achieving your goals again. 

Dust off the depression and try again until you are the very definition of happiness.

The way I see the Bible now is totally different. I see it like a diary that was passed onto different people to document their own journeys through life with God; it now has a personal element to it that I never saw before. This sudden shift in perspective came about when I began to really try to know God and wonder (and learn) about the role the Holy Spirit has to play. Reading the Bible has become fun. I am learning new things which are exciting challenge as I try to apply new ideals, to me anyways, to my life. As you may know already, my memory is kind of dodgy lol. In order for me to remember verses I have learnt that I have to revisit the passage over and over again. I now have a journal that is used specifically to document my understanding of each chapter of each book I am reading. It is a brilliant way to help me remember things.

I know I am a waaaaaaaaaay away from reciting the entire Bible but, I know I am getting closer to encountering God daily and understanding myself as well as Him on a more deeper level. I would rather learn more about God and the Holy Spirit; recognise and understand the themes in various chapters; and allow the Bible to change me than cram verses for the sake of "fitting in". With understanding and commitment to encountering God daily (and not just on Sundays), the ability to "reference" my actions and thoughts with Bible verses will come.

 I won't lie and say I have been consistently reading the Bible everyday since my Damascus moment and now I'm equipped to be the next church leader.  Like you, I am only human but I am working towards a state of mind where reading the Bible everyday becomes second nature. Not because it has become part of my daily routine but because it is now like what air is to my lungs.

I just wanted to let those of you out there who may feel the same way I did before that you are not alone. Stop comparing yourself to others and start laying your foundation with God by the simple act of praying to the Holy Spirit to open your eyes as you read His word. You will begin to embrace your imperfections and work on becoming the best version of you at your own pace.

Your time to shine is inevitable. 

Just be ready when it comes ;)

Till next time!

Luv, Mo xx