3 Reasons You Should and 3 Ways You Can

Modern teaching methods emphasize big ideas rather than basic skills. Weird diagonals are used to solve math problems. Assessment is an on-going activity rather than a test. Kids like this better than the traditional memorization of multiplication tables and essay exams.

Which is why my students sometimes hated me. I put essays on every exam.

And I made them memorize.

Why? "Miss Zabower, I can just google it." "I can use a calculator."

That was my favorite! As soon as someone said that, I issued a challenge. That student and his/her calculator against me and my brain. A third student devised a multiplication or division problem of 2 four-digit numbers, and we'd race. Often (I won't say always) I won, just doing it in my head. Because I have the basics memorized.

OK, fine. Mathematics. As children. But why should I memorize as an adult, and why should I memorize Scripture? Here are 3 reasons why and 3 ways you can.

1. Memorizing Scripture is commanded in the Bible. Colossians 3:16 says "Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly." Memorizing your multiplication tables means that when you're ordering that beautiful dress in three colors from QVC, you know how much you're spending, including shipping, and then how it will break down into five easy payments. Memorizing Scripture means that when your friend is facing devastating loss or crippling disease, you may have a bit of truth to encourage her. Memorizing Scripture also means you can teach it more easily. Any teacher, of any subject, will tell you that in order to teach effectively, you need to know it.

2. Memorizing Scripture renews our spirits. Helping a friend, teaching your children -- great! But you benefit from it, too. Romans 12:2 tells us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." When my mind wants to wander to unholy things, I can remind myself to "Let the words of my mouth and the medication of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) Just that little reminder -- stuck in my own head so I'm not relying on having my Bible handy -- can set me back on track. Where would I be otherwise? Down in a ditch!

3. Memorizing Scripture helps us share the Gospel more easily. The Bible commands us to share the Gospel, but so many of us are intimidated by the thought of being put on the spot. What if they ask a question and we don't know the answer? 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to be "ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you." We can't memorize the entire Bible, so I can't guarantee you won't feel stuck for a verse, but having key Scriptures memorized can give you more confidence as you share the truth of God with the people in your life.

So there are good reasons to memorize Scripture, and you can read more here.

But how do we do it? It is common knowledge that kids can memorize more easily than adults. Set it to music, and they'll have it memorized by dinner. Adults do have to work harder at it, but it's still possible, and if you believe it's important you will find a way. Here are some tips.

1. Start small. I never asked my students to memorize all multiplication facts for the 2 times tables though the 12 times tables all at once. Break it down into smaller pieces. But be consistent and stick with it!

2. Write it down and put it everywhere. Psalm 19:14 is taped to my computer at work. I can read it in a slow moment when the phones aren't ringing or when I feel the frustration level rising. The initial act of writing incorporates the visual as well as what we teachers call kinesthetic learning. Do you think about turning the radio station while you're driving? Not usually because your body knows where the button is; it's called muscle memory. That isn't at play in memorizing Scripture, but adding the physical element can help.

3. Say it out loud. Writing it uses the visual and kinesthetic modes of learning; speaking it uses the auditory mode. And something I discovered just recently (and wonder why it took me so long) is to record it on my phone! I used the video feature on my smartphone to record myself reading the whole chapter I want to memorize. I have the whole bit, but I can stop and replay as often as I need. (Note: I use the video only to record the sound, so if you have another means of recording your voice, go ahead. I don't watch myself reciting it!)

We all have endless pieces of information at our fingertips with smartphones and pervasive Wi-Fi. But memorizing Scripture chisels the beautiful words of God onto your mind so that no dead battery or loss of signal can

stand in your way.