Memorizing is a Skill You Can Learn

by David Rollert

There was a time in the not-too-distant past when members of the church of Christ were known as people who knew the word. Sadly, that cannot be said quite as confidently about us in more recent decades. Too many people make excuses for not memorizing Scripture. They may say that they are not smart enough or that it is too difficult. They may say they are too busy. Regardless of which excuse someone uses, they are refusing to put the work in - but it can be done. So, let’s talk about some practical methods of memorizing scripture.

Memorization through repetition:

Repetition is the most common method of memorizing Scripture, though it is not always the most effective for some people. It involves simply repeating the Scripture that you want to memorize over and over (and over) until you have committed it to memory. While this is generally the first thing people think of when planning to memorize scripture it is not the only, or even best way, to memorize scripture. In my opinion, it is just a good place to start.

Memorization through song:

One very effective way to memorize anything is through song! You can probably remember the lyrics from a song you have not heard since your childhood, even if you struggle to remember why you walked into a room. No wonder Colossians 3:16 tells us,

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

When we sing songs that accurately quote scripture, then we have an easier time committing them to memory. This is one reason why it is important for the songs we sing to be biblically accurate.

Memorization through regular usage:

Anything you do or use often eventually gets committed to memory. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 God told his people to teach His word to their family, when they rise in the morning, when they are working through the day and when they are going to bed. Thus, another effective way to memorize scripture is to use it and use it often! Teach your family Scripture. Use it to answer questions. Use it to encourage yourself and others. Teach the gospel to unbelievers. Write a lesson about a passage and practice it several times. When you view God’s word as being useful in your everyday life, you will end up committing it to memory through repeated use.

No more excuses. Let’s be people who memorize Scripture.