Memorizing or Retaining Scripture?

There are many believers—young and old—who are skilled at memorizing Scripture. They can recite verses with ease, and on the outside it looks impressive, almost as if they have the whole Bible hidden in their hearts. But here’s the truth: memorizing words isn’t the same as living them.

Think back to school. If you knew the questions for a test, you could cram the night before, memorize the answers, and pass the exam. But a few weeks later, the information was gone—you never really retained it. In the same way, knowing verses by memory doesn’t mean much if we can’t apply them when life’s trials come.

James reminds us: “Don’t deceive yourselves by only hearing what the Word says, but do it!” (James 1:22 CJB). It’s not about looking good or sounding spiritual—it’s about walking in the Word daily, letting it shape your choices, your actions, and your witness.

So ask yourself today:

• Am I memorizing Scripture only to look good?
• Or am I retaining it so that I can live it?

People are watching. They’ll listen when you share Christ, but they’ll look to see if your life reflects the truth you proclaim. Let us not just speak the Word—let us apply it, live it, and walk it out in Christ.
 

-Rev Carlos Figueroa