Life Lessons Learned
Every Christian I’ve ever known—myself included—has longed to dig deeper into God’s Word at some point. We desire that insight, that connection, that moment when the text speaks directly to the heart. And yet, so often, we settle for skimming Scripture rather than savoring it. What if there were a simple but effective way to approach your daily reading that actually helped the Word of God take root? That’s what I want to walk you through today.
The approach I’m about to share has become a steady rhythm in my life. It’s shaped by a simple four-step method: Read, Record, Reflect, Respond. Let me take you through each part using a powerful example from Matthew 9:9–13.
READ: Begin with Scripture Itself
This is where the journey starts. Just read the passage. Slowly. Prayerfully. You’re not hunting for a theological thesis; you’re listening. The passage reads:
“As Jesus went on from there he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow Me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this they asked His disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
Already, I can feel the tension in the scene—Jesus extending grace, religious folks raising eyebrows. This is Jesus being Jesus.
RECORD: List the Simple Facts
Jot down what’s happening. Sometimes, just seeing the facts helps truth stand out:
Jesus sees Matthew and calls him. Matthew obeys without hesitation.
Jesus joins Matthew and his crowd for dinner. It’s a crowd labeled by society as undesirable.
The Pharisees object. They can’t understand why Jesus would associate with sinners.
Jesus responds with healing words: those who are sick need a doctor. He quotes Hosea, reminding them (and us) that mercy matters more than ritual. He clarifies His mission: not to call the righteous, but sinners.
This kind of recording doesn’t need to be complex. You’re sketching out the scene to better understand what God is doing in it.
REFLECT: Ask What This Means for Your Life
Here’s where it gets personal. These aren’t just details; they’re mirrors. I read this and find myself asking:
Do I respond to Jesus as immediately and wholeheartedly as Matthew did?
Am I still spending time with friends who don’t know Jesus, and inviting them to know Him like Matthew did?
Jesus didn’t just tolerate tax collectors and sinners—He sat down to dinner with them. He entered their world. How often do I do the same? Or have I, like the Pharisees, slipped into measuring people by religious standards rather than Christlike mercy?
There’s also the question of mission: Jesus came for the sick, for the broken, for those who knew they were lost. Do I live that truth? Or do I spend my energy trying to appear healthy while avoiding the sick?
RESPOND: Take Action in Faith
The final step is to respond. It’s not enough to reflect; Scripture calls for transformation. For me, this passage convicted me of how little I’ve recently reached out to friends who don’t yet know Jesus. So, I’ve made a commitment: within the next two months, I’m going to host a dinner—like Matthew did—and invite a few of those friends. Not to preach. Not to argue. Just to listen, love, and, if the moment arises, to share how Jesus changed my life.
That’s how this approach turns daily reading into daily obedience. It’s not about religious checklisting—it’s about life change.
Try It Yourself
If you want to grow in your ability to understand and apply Scripture, try this four-step approach. Start with short passages like:
John 18:1–11 (Jesus’ arrest)
Psalm 23 (God’s shepherding presence)
Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 (God’s gift of enjoyment)
Genesis 3:1–7 (The fall of man)
Colossians 3:12–16 (Clothing ourselves with Christlike virtues)
Revelation 1:12–18 (Christ in glory)
Use the same format: Read the passage slowly. Record the facts simply. Reflect honestly. Respond faithfully. This will transform how you interact with God’s Word.
Blessing:
Thank you for committing your heart and time to digging deeper into the Word of God. Your faithfulness will not return void. Every time you open your Bible with an open heart, you’re creating space for the Holy Spirit to teach, comfort, convict, and guide you. May the Word dwell richly in you, shaping your thoughts, your actions, and your witness for Christ.
Relevant Article:
How to Study the Bible Effectively
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