One of the first verses I memorized in Bible college was II Timothy 3:16-17.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)

My professors taught that the Bible is the only authority for the church, the only authority for the life of the believer, and that in its inspired words were everything necessary to bring us to a saving knowledge of Christ and a godly life until ultimate glorification. They taught and I believed that, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” (I Peter 1:3 ESV)

But I have noticed in my life an incredible inconsistency between my belief and practice; as if a great chasm spans the distance between what I say I believe and what my life actually shows I believe.

While I vigorously defend the sufficiency of Scripture to provide believers with everything they need and to bring the unbeliever to salvation, I betray my heart’s fickleness with my daily struggles and doubts. Too often, I find that the Word of God is a last resort instead of a go-to source.

Instead of turning to it in the morning, I find my thumbs habitually scrolling through Facebook. In place of memorization of Scripture, vapid distractions sneak up and eat away at my day. And in contrast with the exhortation to meditate on the Law day and night, I discover my thoughts drifting into pointless daydreams and worse, blatant sin.

I don’t think I’m alone in this struggle. Sometimes, truly relying on God’s Word is a challenge. For me, even picking up the Bible some days is hard. I’m convinced it’s that way because we don’t truly believe in the sufficiency and the power of Scripture. It hasn’t yet penetrated our hearts enough to make lasting change in our lives.

The Word of God is what brings us into true fellowship with our Savior. Jesus told his disciples in John 15:7 that, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (ESV)

Did you catch that? Jesus said that if his words abided in his disciples, they would receive anything they asked for. Our only access to the words of Jesus comes through His Word. Therefore, access to the power of the Spirit is unleashed when the Word of God is read. The author of Hebrews accurately captures the true power that lies within the Word when he says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 5:12 ESV)

If we truly believed that verse to the depth of our being, our lives would be different. We need to close the gap between what we say with our mouths and what we live out in our lives.

So Christian, read the Word of God. Live out your belief in the sufficiency of Scripture and find your strength in it! Access your Savior through the life-changing, temptation fighting, heart molding Word of the Lord today. Don’t wait another minute.