The Power of Four

How Consistently Reading God’s Word Transforms Your Life

We all know that reading the Bible is important in a person’s life. But you may not know what I am about to share. The Center for Bible Engagement recently surveyed over 100,000 people worldwide about their spiritual lives. One question they asked was, how many days per week they engaged with the Bible. Here is what they found.

• Those who read their Bibles 1–2 days per week showed little measurable difference in their lives.
• Those who engaged three times per week showed a small benefit.
• But those who read their Bibles four or more days per week experienced dramatic, measurable change.

There is a striking difference in behaviour between those who regularly spend time in God’s Word and those who don’t.

As Christians, our aim isn’t just to cut back on sinful behaviours, but to eliminate them, pursuing holiness through the transforming power of God’s Word.

Positive results

The survey also found that those who read their Bibles four or more times a week saw significant increases in several positive spiritual habits:

• Discipling others: 231% increase
• Sharing their faith with others: 228% increase
• Memorizing Scripture: 407% increase
• Giving financially to a church: 416% increase

What Other Research Shows 

Several years ago, I read a book called Move: What 1,000 Churches Reveal About Spiritual Growth. Their research led them to this conclusion:

“Nothing has a greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture. If churches could do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, their choice is clear. They would inspire, encourage, and equip their people to read the Bible — specifically to reflect on Scripture for meaning in their lives.”

What Scripture Says

These research studies simply echo what the Bible has taught all along.

One passage that highlights the importance of being in God’s Word is Psalm 1. Many years ago, our family memorized that Psalm together. It describes those who delight in and meditate on God’s Word as being like trees planted by streams of water. The righteous are rooted and nourished by God’s Word

Another passage speaks beautifully to this:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16(NLT)

While the results of this study are generally true, it is still possible to be in the Word regularly and remain unchanged. James warns us about that.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

We know it’s important to spend time in God’s Word. Research highlights it, and Scripture affirms it. Yet many of us still struggle to make this a daily priority.

Practical Suggestions

Here are some things that have helped me:

1. Have a time
   Choose a regular time to meet with God each day.
2. Have a place
   Pick a consistent location where you can be quiet and attentive.
3. Have a plan
   Know what you’re going to read. Choose a book of the Bible to study. Keep your Bible and a notebook and pen together in your special area and record what God reveals to you

These simple habits truly work. I wish I could say I always follow them—but I don’t. When I miss my time with God, it’s harder to get on track for the day. When I don’t keep my Bible and study materials in a designated place, I waste precious time looking for them. And when I don’t have a plan, time is wasted trying to figure out what to read. Bible study is much more profitable with a clear plan.

“The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.” George Müller

God’s Word is life-changing. May we be changed by it, each and every day.