The Bible: More Important Than Coffee

Hudson Taylor once said, “Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him."

At the beginning of each day, which are we more intentional about—setting aside time for Bible reading or for a cup of coffee? In the busyness of life, it’s easy for Bible reading to get pushed towards the edges, or crowded out completely. A 2018 American Bible Society survey claims that 69% of Bible engaged Americans say they “need the Bible more than coffee.” 

That’s the right Sunday School answer, but in the rhythm of life we sometimes falter. Just like our plan for coffee, our Bible reading needs to be cultivated into a habit. The discipline of a morning Scripture reading will set a consistent tone for each day.

The Psalmist says, “O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14 NASB). Everything from the strength to resist temptation to the joy that accompanies our obedience, comes from faith. And faith is a gift meant to be received and exercised through time in the Word with Christ (Eph 2:8).

As Paul says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17). The reason Hudson Taylor’s quote rings true, is because the Word of God is how we are put in tune with Jesus. It’s easy to push Bible reading aside on our busy days. But let the opposite be true.

Just like the coffee run to start off the big day with a kick, begin your day by spending time with Jesus through His Word. And let your life be an instrument of worship in the concert of God’s glory.