What is an unmemorized devotional experience?
An unmemorized devotional experience is one that thrives beyond the limits of routine and rehearsed religious rituals. It is an encounter with the Bible that doesn't hinge on external stimuli or pre-defined structures to feel authentic and vibrant. This kind of experience flows freely, living within the liberty of a personal connection and inner peace with the Bible’s words, without needing validation from external sources. As Romans 15:4 beautifully puts it, "We through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
An unmemorized devotional experience is unconventional because it embraces the depth and seriousness of personal faith. It echoes the message of James 1:18: "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."
This verse from James highlights three crucial points:
Bible Initiative: Our devotional character is not shaped by our own will or wisdom but through the Bible’s words.
Beyond Human Control: Personal and devotional transformation comes from an understanding that transcends human effort.
New Creation: This transformation aims to produce a new creature, a new personal and devotional character that reflects the Bible’s devotional character.
These points collectively illustrate the essence of an unmemorized devotional experience. They underscore a fundamental truth: true spiritual growth requires relinquishing human control.
A memorized devotional routine often attributes control to the individual, relying heavily on external rituals and stimuli. In contrast, an unmemorized devotional experience moves beyond these elementary principles, embracing a deeper, more reflective engagement with faith. This is why Paul criticizes the religious authorities in the Colossians, saying, "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?" (Colossians 2:20).
Paul's message is clear: liberation from worldly religious principles involves moving away from rigid, elementary religious thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors. He warns against being "spoiled through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world" (Colossians 2:8). Instead, he encourages a transformation into the "new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3:10).
Living a genuine faith means engaging in a continuous journey of learning and growth. It's about allowing our belief to evolve through the knowledge and self-discovery directly offered within the Bible. This approach abandons rigid, human-based religious practices in favor of a freer, more inquisitive exploration of one's devotional character.
Emphasizing an unmemorized devotional experience isn't about dismissing structured practices but about highlighting the Bible’s call for a more profound, personal engagement with faith. Human growth and development underpin this biblical perspective. Routine thoughts, deeds, and behaviors can confine our faith, preventing it from developing genuine character. As Paul asks, "Why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?" (1 Corinthians 10:29).
Consider the natural human reactions to injustice or abuse. Witnessing someone harm an animal, a child, or even themselves elicits a strong, visceral response. Similarly, subjecting our faith to rigid, external ordinances can be seen as abusing our belief’s potential. Every time we prioritize religious stimulants over the wisdom derived from personally exploring the scriptures, we do a disservice to our faith.
An unmemorized devotional experience places us in solitary communion with our inward self, fostering genuine healing and authenticity. This aligns with the Bible's ultimate aim: to inspire a sincere, robust human and devotional character. Understanding and applying this wisdom can transform our lives, allowing us to live in a way that is true to our intended devotional experience.
Embrace the unmemorized devotional experience. Let it guide you to a place where faith is a living, breathing journey of discovery, free from the confines of memorized religious rituals and external validations. Through this path, we can achieve a more profound, authentic connection with the Bible, reflecting the true essence of our spiritual identity from having contact with it.