Memory 2010

It seems that every year this tops my list of goals for the upcoming new year:  Scripture Memorization.  But, unfortunately, it is also one of the goals that I never seem to reach.  I have plenty of excuses like, "memorization is difficult" or "I'm really not that good at remembering stuff" but the truth of the matter is that I just don't try.  If I can remember pointless lines from songs or tv shows from the 90's (Seinfeld is a favorite) I am certainly capable of memorizing Scripture.  So then I'm left with the pathetic realization that if I am capable of memorizing scripture perhaps the problem lies in whether I see it important to memorize it (as if Seinfeld lines are important...)

A couple of quotes to get me thinking:
“Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization” Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California

“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” Chuck Swindoll.

These two Bible scholars believe that scripture memorization is worthwhile and important, but what does the Bible say about the topic?  Here are two reasons why I should make scripture memorization a priority:

1. Fight Temptation & Sin:  One scripture I do have memorized (ironic) is Psalm 119:11 "Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against you".  (NASB)  The word 'treasured' in this verse is the same word used in Luke 2:19 to describe Mary treasuring up all the memories of the birth of Jesus.  Its a word that means to keep, to store, to save.  My attitude towards the scriptures should be that of Mary towards the amazing birth of her Son, the Savior.  I should treasure the word the way a mother stores up the memories of her children - bottling them up forever.  Treasuring them.  But why?  Psalm 119:11 clearly instructs us to memorize scripture in order to overcome sin. Jesus used memorized scripture in Matthew 4:1-11 to defeat Satan's temptations.  The Word, stored in his heart, was used to rebuke the temptations offered by Satan.  Memorized scripture can help overcome Satan's trickery and schemes.  If Jesus used scripture to combat Satan, who am I to think I can defeat him in another way than that?  Scripture, stored up in my heart, is ready and waiting to be used against the enemy.  I won't always have a Bible handy to find the scripture I need, but if it's in my heart it is ready for battle.  This reminds me of the Whole Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-20.  The only defensive piece of armor is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  It is the only tool in my military kit to defeat the enemy.  Everything else is used for protection, but the Word of God is used to cut and divide (Hebrews 4:12) and should be ready, sharpened, in my hand for battle.
2. To Bring Encouragement:  Scripture memorized can be called up at any moment to provide a kind and encouraging word to another or it can be called up to encourage me. Jesus says in Luke 6:45  "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart."  Jesus reminds us here that whatever we have stored up in our heart, whatever fills our heart (whether scripture or Seinfeld) that is what our mouth speaks.  And although there are times when a funny Seinfeld line might be appropriate, more often than not a scripture would be an excellent source of encouragement & strength, love & kindness.  Reminds me of when James & I were in college.  His roommate had a game system and the game Grand Theft Auto (horrible game by the way, but great for this illustration).  We would come home from class and play for hours, stealing cars, shooting good guys, driving recklessly, and the like.  Hours were spent on this pointless, mindless game.  I clearly remember leaving the guys place one afternoon to go to study Dairy Queen.  I got in my car and drove from one side of Pullman to the other.  All the way there, I had to fight this urge to swerve into oncoming traffic or to knock over telephone poles or to take out college student pedestrians.  It was awful!  And I remember thinking that I'd spent so much time in front of that crazy (awful) game that I was reenacting the scenes from it.  It was what was stored up and it wanted to "come out".  Whatever we store in our hearts, whatever is treasured there will flow from our mouths.   Oh, to store up scripture to use when I'm down, when a friend is hurting, when i'm rejoicing, when I pray, when a friend is in need.  To have it in my heart, ready to be used.  

Two reasons why I should make this goal to memorize scripture a priority.  I am committed to this.  I need to do this.  Even if it's just half a dozen, it will be more than last year. I will do this this year!