Just Do it!

by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

I absolutely love it when a passage of scripture that I have read several times over the years stands out in a special way that lets me know God is about to reveal something to me. It’s exciting, and happened recently as I read John 14:23 where Jesus said, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching”. As I spent time praying and thinking about that scripture, I was encouraged regarding my love for Jesus and of the many teaching I live by, yet couldn’t help but acknowledge the fact that there are several teachings I couldn’t quite remember.

God was shedding light on the spiritual discipline I struggle with most, scripture memorization. I can fully and confidently recite the McDonald’s jingle from my childhood (You know the one, “Two all beef patties…”), yet cannot accurately recall the passage of scripture I tried to learn recently! Thankfully, when we work to place God’s Word in our heart, it is never lost to us. If we are faithful to learn scripture, God is faithful to bring it back to our memory at just the right time. 

As parents, the depth of our scripture knowledge provides us with either limited or limitless resources to help our children grow in godly character and understanding. Many of us grew up continually hearing, “because I said so”, and parents have been saying, “Just Do It!” long before Nike. Both are dead-end phrases of obedience, leaving no room for discipleship. Our children need to hear how, and why we obey and love God above all others. They need to hear God’s Word come out of our mouths in prayer and praise, every single day. Our discipleship in all situations must be instant, impactful, and because it confronts difficult truths, should be seasoned with godly encouragement. All of this is possible if we have placed God’s Word in our heart.  
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As difficult as it can seem at times to memorize scripture, the process is a benefit greater than knowledge. When we meditate on God’s Word it brings us into a closer and more meaningful relationship with Him. Only then can He reveal to us His will, and transform our lives. God is waiting to spend time with us and inspire us with His amazing truths, promises, and encouragement. I challenge us all to make it a priority to memorize scripture and spend time in the Word. “Just do it!”, because He is our heavenly Father who loves us, and well… in His words, God said so :) 

May the Word of Christ Dwell in us Richly,

– Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal