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Search the Scriptures for Yourself
Elder
Keith Ellis |
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Study Environment
I believe that the study environment is very important in helping to
establish good study habits from the beginning. We want to make the most
of the time we spend studying so the time will be quality time spent. So
you need to select a place and a time in which you will not be disturbed
if possible. A place that is quiet and will allow you to concentrate and
meditate about what you are reading. This should become a daily ritual.
Of course we already mentioned the necessity of the humble spirit and prayerful
attitude. So the place and time you choose is also important. I have made it a
habit to arrive at my place of work forty-five minutes early each day. At this
time, when no one else is around and the building is quiet, I am able to
peacefully consider what I am reading. I also try to make sure my desk is clear
of any paper work that may distract my attention and preoccupy my thoughts. This
works well for my reading through the Bible portion of my study. I also use this
as my quiet time with the Lord to ponder the day ahead of me and to quietly
consider the portions I have just read. For my subject study I usually sit
outside at home in the evenings on the swing that is under the elm tree. This
frees me from the distractions of a house that has three teenagers in it. And if
the weather does not permit me to sit outside I will retreat to my bedroom,
which is the quietest place in the house. I can hear some saying, I do not get
to work that early, or I do not have that much time to spend everyday. There is
an old saying. "You always have time for the things you put first." We usually
find time to do a million other things, most of which are probably not very
important if we get right down to it. Consider how important the study of God's
word is. It is a very serious matter. But if we make time for God everyday in
our lives rather than the other things, we will be the better for it. And as we
come to grow in the grace of God we will wonder how we got along without the
knowledge of God's word beforehand. So we can make a million excuses for not
doing what is right, or we can do what is right and be blessed of God for the
effort.
When you do decide to begin your study, if you sit in your favorite easy chair,
please leave the T.V. OFF. You cannot study and watch T.V. at the same time, no
matter how talented you think you are! Once I had begun serious Bible study
after joining the church, I had the privilege to be away from the television set
for six months solid. In its place I read and I read and I read my Bible. This
was a most refreshing time in my life and I thank God for it. Now I am not
saying that I think that T.V. is bad one way or another. It has its merits and
its pitfalls. I know that many in this society spend a lot time watching it. The
point is that much time in front of the T. V. is wasted time. Studying your
Bible is much more profitable, fruitful and beneficial.
If you have legitimate reasons and difficult surroundings then be sure that God
knows all about it. He will bless our sincere efforts to learn more about Him if
we are persistent. If at all possible, we should seek a setting in which we will
have the least distractions. This may seem simple and unimportant, but just wait
and see all the distractions the devil will throw at you to keep you from
studying God's word.
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