As a church we are setting out to read through Scripture together. From time to time I’ll share an encouragement or two to keep us going. Today, as we set out to read the Bible together, I’d like you to consider how chocolate might make you a more faithful reader!
Last spring my family and I bought a dog. Since then I have been working with him, first on basic obedience, then step by step on more advanced skills: marking, marking in cover, lining memories and eventually introducing him to gunfire. It has been both a rewarding and a frustrating experience. Somedays he charges so hard and so straight on a long retrieve that when he places the retrieving dummy in my hand, I toss it high in the air and whoop with joy. Other days I mutter under my breath that I would leave him right there on the training grounds if I hadn’t paid the veterinarian to implant a microchip that identifies him as mine. Along the way, I have noticed something significant– when he has confidence in what he is doing the task itself becomes the reward. The best reward for a retriever, is retrieving. But, getting there takes time… and hotdogs. In the early stages of a new skill when he is uncertain and lacks confidence a sliver of processed meat can make a big difference. A small treat lets him know he is doing the right thing and and makes training enjoyable.
In a series of posts at the Urban Sanctuary Len Thompson reminds us that for many, Bible reading is not an enjoyable experience. We often approach Scripture with the baggage of duty and obligation, and a weighty sense of guilt because we have not been living up to our duty and obligation. All of this makes the experience unenjoyable, and we tend to avoid unenjoyable tasks; resulting in even less enjoyment the next time we read, because we have even more guilt. Our lack of faithful Bible reading can become a vicious cycle. I’d like to make a modest proposal. First, lay the guilt aside. There is nothing to be gained by beating yourself up for previous failed attempts. Simply pick up and start again, but this time try to make your Scripture reading time enjoyable. One of the best spiritual disciplines you could adopt might be to read Scripture while you drink a great cup of coffee or enjoy a bit of really good chocolate. At first you might find yourself just reading for the coffee or the chocolate. That’s fine. In fact, I think it is a better motivation than trying to wrestle your guilt into submission. Over time you might find that something significant happens; like my bounding Labrador pup the activity itself becomes the reward.