First reason?
Because I go soft on myself and hard on others when I don’t.
Second reason?
Satan’s lies always have a little truth mixed in with them, which means we need to be saturated with the Word of God to be able to recognize the difference. (Warning: It isn’t follow your heart.)
Third reason?
Because I choose poorly when I don’t. I need wisdom, direction, guidance. And it is best to get it from THE One who knows the beginning and the ending, about all kinds of decisions.
Fourth reason?
Because I want to know God better. Because I need to know Him more, rather than just hearing about Him from others. Only by knowing Him better through His Word, can I overcome the patterns of this world and be transformed into who YOU created me to be. My best me! This reminds me of 2 Peter 3:18 Peter knew Jesus personally because they lived in the same time and space. So if I am going to know God and Jesus better, I must enter His time, His space and His Word. The Bible shows the path. Proverbs 5:21 “For the ways of a person are in front of the eyes of the Lord, and the Lord weighs all that person’s paths.”
Fifth reason?
Because I am vulnerable to the influences of society that opposes You unless I am continually feasting on what You’ve said in Your Word. Life is much easier –for a short time – when I give into the fierce wind of secular society rather than trying to stand against it. Counter-cultural living is hard and requires me to be deliberate. Fighting the secular influences of this world brings tension to my life. I must constantly re-calibrate my eyes on the Lord.
Ephesians 6:12-17 NLT
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Biggest reason? I read God’s Word because I believe the God of the Universe, Creator and Sustainer of all, has something to say to me. When I want to hear from Him, such as His opinion about something, I talk to Him and then I read His Word. After doing those two simple steps, you would be surprised how often He speaks from Scripture that is 2000 or more years old.
People who know me know that I often say, “God told me.” That doesn’t mean I heard His audible voice. I heard His thoughts, advice and opinions as I read His Word. They jumped off the page at me!
Try it. He doesn’t talk to me because I am unique. He talks to me because I ask His advice and then read His Word to “listen” for His thoughts.