Be Diligent

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8

My sister and I took a trip to the San Diego zoo. On the zoo’s tour bus, the guide gave numerous fascinating and sometimes comical facts about the animals. A tour bus travels by the ostrich pen approximately every 15 minutes. Because the ostrich’s brain is extremely small for the size of its body, each time an ostrich sees a tour bus, it’s a brand new experience!

Some days I feel just like an ostrich! I would love to blame my forgetfulness on a busy schedule or distractions. But the fact is, my older brain does not work as efficiently as it once did. 

When Don and I were newlyweds, we took the Navigator 2:7 series, in which we memorized many scriptures. I am amazed at how easily I can remember those verses. With just a little review, they come back quickly.  However, memorizing verses of scripture now requires much work and much review. I have concluded that though it is important to memorize scripture throughout your life, the prime time to memorize scripture is in your youth. I want to encourage you with this truth: While you are young, put in your brain what you want to keep in your brain!

God encourages parents to prioritize the teaching of His word to their children. He says we are to talk about His truths whether we are sitting, walking, lying down, or getting up. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) In other words, all the time! As we do this, not only do our children learn, but we learn also. Learning and obeying God’s Word is a pattern for success!

To the young I say, “Don’t waste your brain! Fill it with truth that will remain a lifetime!” To us older I say, “Don’t give up! Be diligent! Consistently meditate upon God’s truth, and it will take root and bear fruit!”

Jan Burkhart