America is facing many crises right now, but there is one that should deeply concern every Christian—and it often goes unnoticed.
Before I get to it, let me start with a simple, almost ridiculous thought. Can you imagine taking a cross-country road trip in your car—no electric this time—without a map or GPS, and without gasoline? Of course not. You wouldn’t get far. Direction and fuel are essential if the journey is going to succeed.
In the same way, Bible illiteracy has quietly become a serious crisis within the Church.
By Bible illiteracy, I mean not knowing Scripture, not understanding it, and not having it hidden in our hearts. I have never seen such a lack of intimacy with God’s Word as I see today. Technology has contributed more than we realize. Many Bible-believing churches now project Scripture on screens, which has unintentionally trained people not to bring their Bibles to church. They hear verses but don’t retain them. They rarely study them later.
As a result, many Christians think they know the Bible—until they are challenged. When asked to explain or defend their faith, or when engaging with those who oppose Christianity, they suddenly find themselves unprepared. This often leads to insecurity, self-doubt, and even a sense of persecution. I see this most clearly at the college level, when young believers desperately need strong biblical foundations, convictions, and character.
There is another consequence that is just as serious.
When God speaks to us, He speaks through His Word. The Holy Spirit brings Scripture to our hearts and then applies it to our lives. When we don’t know Scripture—when it isn’t stored within us—we lose one of God’s primary restraining and guiding forces against temptation, confusion, and compromise. Data consistently shows that although pastors encourage daily Bible reading, most Christians simply don’t do it.
When believers don’t know God’s Word, they don’t reverence it. When they don’t reverence it, they stop living by it. Over time, many drift spiritually and begin living no differently than the world around them.
That is a crisis.
So let me encourage you with three simple, life-giving practices.
First—get manna daily.
Jesus said, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NIV). Just as your body needs daily food, your spirit needs daily nourishment. Read your Bible—or a solid devotional rooted in Scripture—until something speaks to your heart. Ask God to speak to you through His Word, then pay attention. He will.
Second—hold onto what God gives you.
When a verse speaks to you, write it down. Put it in your pocket—or do what I do and text it to yourself. That verse is your manna for the day. Pull it out several times. Meditate on it. Ask God to keep speaking through it. If you can memorize it, do so. Over time, you will experience a deeper intimacy with God as He speaks to you through His Word.
Third—share it with someone.
If at all possible, share that verse with another believer—your spouse, a Christian friend, a coworker, or someone in your small group. Say, “Here’s what God spoke to me today.” You’ll discover something powerful: when you share revelation, it grows. Of all the mentoring tools I’ve shared over the years, this simple practice has been one of the most transformative for spiritual growth.
Please understand how central the Word of God is to every part of your life—your character, your mindset, your spiritual strength, your prayer life, your direction, and your endurance. Don’t be biblically illiterate. Grow in wisdom, strength, and purpose through God’s Word, and you’ll look back and realize it was one of the most important disciplines you ever embraced.
The world needs Christians who know what they believe. You are called to be salt and light.
“The teaching of Your word gives light, so even the simple can understand… Guide my steps by Your word, so I will not be overcome by evil” (Psalm 119:130, 133, NLT).
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me develop a deeper hunger for Your Word. Teach me to read it daily, treasure it, and live by it. Hide Your Word in my heart so I may walk in wisdom, strength, and obedience. Shape my life through Your truth, and help me be salt and light in a confused world. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
