Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

When I was a brand-new believer, I heard this clever but simple statement: “Seven days without reading the Bible makes one weak.” I've been preaching and teaching a long time, and I consider a day to be a loss if I haven’t spent time in the Word of God.

One of our biggest struggles is properly prioritizing our life—putting first things first. Most of us spend too much time reacting to the urgent rather than prioritizing the important.

In Nehemiah, the people of Israel did the urgent work of rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem. But in chapter 10, they focused on what’s most important.

The law was read aloud and the people were convicted. Then they signed “an oath to walk in God's Law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes” (v. 29).

They were making it a lifestyle, not just paying lip service. In Jesus’ words, they were seeking “first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

I was raised in a religious home, but when I was saved, when I genuinely committed my life to Christ, everything changed—my attitudes, goals, actions, motives, appetites. I spent time with different friends. I even had a different family, a spiritual family. Everything in my life was radically different.

Can you imagine if, after church on a Sunday, the men in the congregation said, “The Lord really spoke to me. I'm really convicted, and I'm going to make some changes in my personal life in terms of going to church and reading the Bible. You're going to have a different husband and father today.” Can you imagine the changes that would occur in any community if the men were to do that?

As we read in Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God is full of living power; it cuts deep into our inmost thoughts and desires and exposes us for what we really are.

You may say you're a believer, but are you a Bible-believing follower? Are you a Bible-reading, Bible-practicing believer? Psalm 119:105, David said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

The Word of God should dictate the decisions you make and how you live life in all areas, like dating, marriage, relationships, worship, and finances. But it all begins with Scripture.

According to the Center for Bible Engagement, a survey of 400,000 people found that engaging with Scripture four or more times per week is associated with significant spiritual growth—what they call “the power of four effect.” Alternately, those who read the Bible only one to three days each week see minimal changes in their life.

The more we engage with Scripture, the more everything changes. We become more likely to share our faith with and disciple others, and to memorize Scripture, while being less likely to struggle with loneliness, spiritual stagnation, anger, and bitterness.

Is daily Scripture reading a part of your life? Are you allowing it to change you? Is it a lifestyle, or do you just pay lip service?