This question is probably on many of your minds. How do I know this? Because I wondered the same thing when I was a teenager. I felt inconvenienced when I had to carry something. Still to this day, I hate carrying things! When my wife and I go shopping, half of the time I won't buy anything because I do not want to drag it around with me the whole time we are in the mall. So why do we need to bring our Bibles with us to church? The Pastor or Youth Pastor is going to get up and read it anyhow so what is the use!
Here are some excuses that I have heard:
1. I have it all memorized (yeah right!)
2. I forgot it in my car :)
3. I forgot it at home
4. I can barely come to church much less bring my Bible
5. My Bible is on my cell phone and I look up scriptures in between text messaging
6. Show me a scripture that says I have to bring a Bible
7. It is too heavy to carry
Hmmm...do any of these sound familiar? Let's look at some reasons that I believe are answers to this never ending teenage question:
1. Helps you check out the source
We all know that it is always good to listen intently to the sermon or preaching, but as you do, even as the preacher is speaking, check out the source - the scripture verse - find out where exactly it was written. Not really to verify if the speaker is right, but simply to note where it is, so you could keep the verse handy for your own sake when church and you are out in the world. So that when trouble arises (and you don’t know when it will) you can be assured in knowing where to find God’s promises to comfort yourself and to comfort others. When you find the scripture verse, then you also remember what your preacher told you about the verse. Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
2. Helps you follow along
How many times have you day dreamed in church? Now that you have answered with a low number, go ahead and tell the truth! We all are apt to daydreaming if we do not purposely try to stay focused on what the preacher is saying. What can help this? Opening your Bible and following along. When I sit there staring at the preacher or walls or whatever and am just listening to him read...I begin to think about everything else BUT what he is reading. Why do you think they make you have text books in school...so you can SEE what the teacher is reading and follow along!
3. Helps you get familiar with the Word of God
Take note of the book, chapter, and verse. Then quickly thumb through your Bible to see exactly where it is. After you find it, get back to listening. When you do this, you actually get familiar with the Word of God. When you get familiar with it, you will know exactly where to find the right verse at the right time. At first, it might not be easy to find the verses as fast, but it takes practice, familiarization, and constant turning of pages. And the best time to practice that is during church. I have seen many teens and adults who cannot find books in the Bible because they A. do not bring their Bible or B. do not follow along and try.
4. Helps make it YOUR Bible
We need to begin to take ownership of our Bible. Carry your Bible to church. Make it YOUR personal Bible. Practice opening it, thumbing to the scripture verses. Even write small notes on it, as you listen to the speaker. You will find the value of this when the time comes, when the preacher is not around, when it is only you and God. II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
My prayer, when writing this, was not to make myself feel better or the pastor to feel better seeing all of the teens carrying their Bibles to church BUT to help you in your spiritual walk! I do not just like a list of rules and regulations... I like to be told why. I hope this helps you to understand the question of why do I need to bring my Bible to church!
