For what seems like ages I have been pondering how frequently we should read the Bible. The simple answer is every day; which sounds compelling but runs the risk of falling into legalism. And then I found myself thinking about Dr Anders Ericsson who is the world’s leading expert on experts. In his opinion, what distinguishes the capacity for a first rate performance is not so much experience or raw ability but a commitment to continuous and repetitive ‘deliberate practice’ of difficult tasks and processes. Dr Ericsson notes that the practice, ’should never get easier; if it does you are coasting, not improving.’

What if this applied to Bible reading? That to become proficient in the Bible we to should engage often. Now this isn’t so much to memorise verses, as I believe the key is being open to transformation not just gaining facts.

And then I thought about the old faithful Scripture Union Bible Reading Guides which encourage methodical reading of the scriptures every day. Maybe there is something in that? And now Scripture Union in the UK has created an excellent web based resource to encourage daily engagement called WordLive. Well worth checking out here.

What do you think about the frequency question? As the Spirit leads or disciplined practice?

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check out Mark’s blog at: http://brownblog.info/

Thanks to Peter B for inviting me to guest blog here. Now I need to tell you something, I am totally middle class; I have a nice house, a nice car, an iPod and a nice set of golf clubs. And I am also suffering from Comfortitis: the number one disease amongst the middle class.

Comfortitis can cause severe bouts of ambivalence which eventually results in the sufferer doing very little for anyone other than themselves and their immediate network.

But most serious is a range of delusions that plague the individual.

The first is the ‘philanthropy delusion’. This is where the person believes that a small donation to a needy cause once in a while precludes them from really getting involved.

The second is the ’satisfaction delusion’ were the person is convinced that purchasing the latest gadget will satisfy them. ‘Once I have a ‘whatever’ I will be just fine’.

The third is known as the ‘hording delusion’. This manifests as the belief that having lots of houses, lots of money, lots of possessions generally will provide a secure future.

The fourth and final delusion is the ‘identity delusion’ where the hapless victim confuses their possessions with who they are. So they see their fine home or their cool car as an extension of themselves.

Most concerning is how it affects Christians. It causes what is known as ‘Bible blindness’ where they read certain parts of Scripture and are able to totally ignore it. In extreme cases the Christian suffering from Comfortitis will avoid the Bible altogether.

Luke 9:1-4 reads,

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money – not even an extra tunic.”

How do we cure Comfortitis?

The first and most important therapy is known as the ‘God’s Stuff Technique’. In short, the Christian over a period of time, comes to realise that everything they have is God’s stuff and not theirs. They see that it is to be used for His pleasure not their own. They start to look at how what they have can serve others.

The second therapeutic technique is known as, ‘What Do I Seriously Really Need Therapy’. This involves the Christian sitting down and listing the essentials that are required for living. They then review the list, asking ‘Do I really need this item?’ Results show that this approach eventually promotes a simpler way of life.

My name is Mark and I have Comfortitis.

Are you a sufferer as well?

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To check out Mark’s blog click here.