Why?

I have a four-year-old and a two-year-old at home, and I think one of the most commonly heard words in my house is, “Why?”

Mommy, why do I have to clean my room? Daddy, why are we going in your car? Mommy, why do I have to wear a coat? Daddy, why are you covering your ears when I ask questions? Why? Whywhywhywhy? 

I read on Facebook that a four-year-old asks 437 questions in a day. (I mean, that must be true-I saw it on the internet!) I don’t know if it’s actually true, but it definitely feels true. My kids really want to know “why.”

I don’t think the deep need for answering “why” questions ever leaves us. We want to understand how things work and develop, and we have a need to know how we fit into the world.

There is one “why” question I’ve been asked several times the last few days. It’s been asked in a couple different ways: “Why should I read my Bible? Why is The Ridge doing a reading challenge? Why should I be a part of something like this? Why is it important?” 

1)   It will help us learn about Jesus
Reading the New Testament is a powerful way to grow in your relationship with Jesus. You will be reading about what Jesus said (and didn’t say) and did (and didn’t do). You’ll be reading about people who responded to who Jesus is and went out and served in some incredible ways. Reading the Bible is the best way to dig into the life and purpose of Jesus.

2)   It will help us discover our next steps
One of our values at The Ridge is to relentlessly pursue next steps. We believe we all need to be growing in our relationship with Jesus and in community with each other. One amazing way to do that is to read your Bible each day. As you read, you have the opportunity to identify how God is prompting you to grow. 

3)   It will provide motivation and accountability
Doing the Ridge Reading Challenge with the entire church gives you a built-in group of people cheering you on toward the goal of reading the entire New Testament in a year. We’ll be talking about it all year, and we’re going to give consistent reminders. My hope is this gives you the motivation to start, and the accountability to finish!

4)   It will provide comfort and conviction
Reading the Bible can be comforting in times that aren’t stable or clear. It can also help us know what is right and wrong in our lives. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that people were actually asked and moved by the Spirit of God to write it. Because of that, we believe the Bible is without error and is the perfect guidebook for life today.

2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

Join me in accepting the challenge! Sign up here. If you've already signed up check out the Bible Reading Schedule.