Statistical benefits to reading the Bible

It is the time of year where I begin to search out what my goals are for the upcoming year. I tend to think that if we are not progressing we are regressing, and so each year should be better than the previous.

One of the most important goals on the list is reading my Bible.

In my own experience, reading the Bible has been a huge salve for me. It is a story full of meaning, and it invites the reader into that meaning. To be granted invitation into a story of purpose leads the reader away from many of the negative pathways of daily living and into something much more productive. In reading the story, I have found peace, joy, and hope.

Outside of the page, the book connects the reader to a community, though flawed, I have found to be a place of immense comfort and deep friendship. The Bible draws you into a place called the Church, which has its own host of positive benefits for those who attend.

Lastly, I think reading the Bible has made me a better thinker. I would suggest that no book ever written has as much depth as the Bible. One has to grant the artistic beauty of a book that is full of interconnections. Below I will connect a photo that shows every direct interconnection in the Bible. The beautiful web of the Bible leads one to constantly think about how each piece builds off the other.

The Center for Bible Engagement has done some extensive studies on how reading the Bible at least four times per week impacts the reader, and the results are pretty astounding.

Here are some of the impacts on negative traits that stood out to me:

• Drinking to excess - down 62%

• Viewing pornography- down 59%

• Feeling bitter - down 40%

• Thinking destructively about self or others - down 32%

• Lying - down 28%

• Neglecting family - down 26%

• Experiencing fear or anxiety - down 14%

Here are some of the impacts on positive traits that stood out to me:

• Discipling others - up 231%

• Giving financially outside of the church - up 218%

Just from these stats alone, it seems like reading the Bible might be worth a try. But what if, in addition to these things, you find that in the pages of the Bible there is a God who is calling out to you. That in that old book there is a very personal being who desires to be known by you.

In the pages of the Bible, you will read painful and confusing things, and stories of the most messed up human beings. You also will read about some really cool people with amazing stories. And in the midst of all the stories, there is one being told: that is of God and God’s presence being known by all creation.

It is in knowing God that we experience the greatest benefits of all.

I hope you consider joining me in reading the Bible everyday of this upcoming year, 2025.

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It would help me a lot. Thanks for reading! 

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