Mental Transformation

Sunset in Nampa, Idaho

We're finishing up the posts on memorizing Scripture today. A final Scriptural challenge:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

"Transformed" is from the Greek "metamorphosis": from ugly crawling worm into a cocoon out of which comes a beautiful butterfly. Be metamorphosed (be butterflied) HOW? By the renewing of the mind (memorize Scripture :-)

Aids to Memorization
It must be understood that memorization of scripture is not an easy task. Those who think it should be simple give up quickly, deciding they can't memorize. Instead, it requires diligence. If hearing about the power of God's Word has encouraged you to memorize, but you don't know how, here are some helpful ideas.

It takes time. Set aside time to memorize, 10 to 15 minutes, at least five times a week which will give you a strong position. Along with that formal time I suggest cards with the verses written on them be carried and looked at periodically. Write the passage and read it aloud several times. Then try reciting it aloud without looking at it, until you get it right. Do it from memory several times, checking your performance against what you have written down after each time. Then, as you have opportunity, test your memory of the verse over the next several days and continue to test it periodically.

Choose a version. Choose one Bible from which to memorize. You can use any version with which you are comfortable. I like the NLT because it has a nice flow, but I still have many verses in my brain in KJV and Living Bible from my childhood. Always using the same Bible helps you become familiar with where the verses are on the page.

Choose longer passages/I would encourage you to try a longer passage rather than just one or two verses. Not only does it broaden your understanding by giving you the context of the verses, but it is also easier to remember an entire chapter, than many individual references.

Begin by reading. One person suggests, “Before starting to memorize, I like to spend a week just reading over the passage. Read it out loud three times each day. This helps you remember because both your ears and eyes are taking in the information. Next is memorizing. When you are ready to memorize read the whole chapter. Next review a smaller section again and again, until you can say it without looking. Then, finish off by reading the whole thing through again. Hopefully, you will find that by the time you near the end of the chapter, the flow of the words will be so familiar that it is easier to remember. “

Keep on repeating. To retain a passage once it is memorized, say it often. Use quiet times of highway driving, shoveling snow, or before you drift off to sleep at night, to say the verses quietly in your head. I also like to type all my memory passages on a document according to topic, so that I can refresh my mind topically; i.e. praise passages, love, identity, etc.

In closing these posts on memorizing Scripture, allow me to share other dimensions. As we get older, our memory , especially short term memory, begins to fade. Being 70 years old, I need that mental exercise. The old saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” certainly applies to mental work out. Coupled with aging is the challenge of Parkinson’s Disease which also robs my memory. There are many reasons I need to discipline myself to memorize, not the least of these being exercise of the mind.

I hope you’ll find a partner to join with you as Theresa and I are doing and enjoy the results of “hiding God’s Word in your heart and in your relationship.” (We’ve just finished Psalm 16:7-11.) Not sure what is next.