Not Flash, But Focus: Why God’s Word Demands Our Time
“Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (2Ti. 2:7). It is undeniable that we live in a world that worships speed. We have instant coffee, instant glue, and every other kind of instant imaginable. We don’t want to wait for anything, so we have one-day shipping and fast food. The Internet provides instant information – no more going to the library and sifting through tons of books for information. And sadly, this has led to things like social media posts that reward quick, emotional reactions over thoughtful responses.
In this whirlwind of speed, it is easy, even for Christians, to carry that rushed mentality into our spiritual lives. For many Christians, reading the Bible is less about “study” than it is about a “to-do” list to please God. No chapters, just random verses read without any kind of interpretation or application study. But, in our selection for today, Paul offers a radically different approach to understanding God’s word, at least by today’s rushed standard. He tells his understudy, Timothy, to “Think over what I say.”
The Greek word noeō means more than just thinking; it involves deep reflection, the kind where you roll something over in your mind repeatedly until it settles into your heart. Paul isn’t just saying “try to understand,” he’s saying, really think about this. And then comes the promise: “The Lord will give you understanding in everything.” That’s not just wishful thinking, that’s a guarantee from God. But notice the order: the insight comes after the effort. Insight and knowledge only come to those who are willing to slow down, absorb, and reflect on the Word.
Distractions have always been around, but the modern church faces a challenge not common to the first-century church: distraction on demand. Phones that constantly ring, endless texting, 24/7 movies, social media, and many other things try their best to dilute our commitment to serious study. With all the “things” we involve ourselves in daily that eat away at our available time, we end up with little to dedicate to God. The result is weak faith devoid of proper insight and understanding. Here are two facts worth remembering: “We can’t microwave wisdom, and understanding does not come from speed-reading scripture or skimming devotionals.”
We need to escape from worldly distractions and recommit to serious time with God’s Word every day. In Psa. 1:2, the righteous man is described like this: “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” And in Jos. 1:8, the Lord tells Joshua: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” Notice the pattern: meditation leads to insight and understanding. Quality time spent searching and studying the scriptures is the only way to know what God’s Word means to us personally. Skim it, and it is an ancient story; study it, and it becomes a life manual.
Some believers hesitate to study the Bible, thinking it’s only for scholars or preachers. But understanding the Word isn’t about having a degree or a high IQ. It’s about having a willing heart and a focused mind. 1Co. 2:12 says, “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.” This means every faithful Christian, not just the educated or eloquent, can grow in knowledge if they slow down, pray, and listen.
Read Paul’s words in Acts 17:11: “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” What we need today is not flash, but focus; not speed, but deliberate, thoughtful study. Reading is not the same as meditating. Meditation involves lingering on a passage, asking questions, and seeking application. It’s when you pray over the words, consider their significance, and allow them to influence your decisions.