tempted to bold the whole thing
Growing up, Challies felt that Bible reading was an obligation. “I felt that if I was going to be a Christian kid, this is what I had to do.” Throughout the years, his perspective has changed. He now emphasizes that there is no scriptural command that believers must read and study the Bible each day—a realization that freed him to delight in his own study. “I think most Christians are eager to spend time with the Lord by reading the Bible—just like every son or daughter wants to spend time with their father. At least, in their best moments, they are eager. But life is busy and tiring, and Bible reading tends to get squeezed out.”
He thinks those who struggle should avoid feeling overwhelmed with guilt: “We are saved by grace through faith, not through reading the Bible and praying.” At the same time, he would also encourage them to deepen their relationship with the Lord. “I am eager for Christians to look at personal devotions as being less about Bible study and more about relationship. I believe we can find freedom in seeing personal devotions as a conversation: hearing from the Lord in the Bible and then speaking to Him in prayer.”
