Something Definitely Worth Memorizing

Related Scripture:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalms 119:105

Recently, a dear friend and fellow official and I were discussing a football rule book. Our conversation turned to the importance of knowing rules well — not just understanding them but literally memorizing them. Officials sometimes create their own problems on the field, and not knowing the rules is probably the most common self-induced mistake made.

After that conversation, God nudged me and got me thinking.   I wondered to myself how well I could recall Scripture from memory. I sat down and made a list of verses I had memorized over the years, and I could recall only six. That’s right — just six. (John 3:16, Phillippians 4:6, II Timothy 2:15, Romans 3:23, Joshua 1:9, Hebrews 11:4). There are many other verses I recognize when I hear or read them, but I have not committed them to memory. If I’m being honest, I haven’t actively memorized a verse in years. I learned those six verses as a youth while involved in a Christian organization for boys. Compiling such a list was an eye-opening and humbling exercise.

Officials face challenges on the field, and knowing the rules can get us out of a bind. Similarly, our daily walk with Christ is filled with challenges, and being able to recall Scripture from memory can help us navigate those moments, whatever they may be. There are countless other reasons to commit Scripture to memory including being able to share scripture with others as part of sharing the gospel with them. Moving forward, I am going to try to memorize at least one new verse a month.  On a positive note, my list has now grown to seven with the addition of the verse included in this devotional — Psalm 119:105 - your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Questions to Ponder:

How well versed are you in recalling scripture from memory?

Are you as diligent in reading God’s word as you are in your rule book?

Tom Skinner - Lanier Football Officials Association (FCO Board Member)