Can Scripture Transform Us Even In the Most Mundane of Tasks?
If we have often read God's Word, it can be easy to skim the familiar words. But when we read it thoughtfully and memorize it, applying it intentionally, we begin to see the true transformational power of Scripture.
As a young girl, I remember wanting to wash dishes with Emilie Replogle. She was in her 80s and did 100 exercises every day before she even got out of bed. I was fascinated by her discipline, but even more by her spiritual life.
When she stayed in our home, every morning I would hear her praying for what felt like a very long time, and I was slightly in awe of her. But what drew me to her most was her gentle and joyful spirit. Emilie often spoke of a turning point in her life when she chose to live out Hebrews 13:15.
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.
We would wash dishes together, and she would ask about my life and then tell me how wonderful it was to live for Jesus. If there was even a brief pause in conversation, His name would softly come across her lips. She would stop mid-conversation and pray about whatever was on my heart. I felt awkward and shy, but I loved her.
She was not especially outgoing. In fact, I later learned she leaned toward introversion. But I always remember her smiling, praising Jesus, and encouraging a young girl watching from the sidelines.
Just days after my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child, Emilie came through our area, and of course, I wanted my husband to meet her.
A group gathered to go out to eat, and once we were seated, this dear lady suggested we all stand, hold hands, and pray. I remember feeling awkward again and wondering what my husband was thinking. But by the end of that prayer, there was not a dry eye.
When we got to the car, my husband looked at me and said, “I think Emilie would be a nice name if our baby’s a girl.” I did not have to wonder what he thought of Emilie Replogle. Her joyful, gentle spirit and prayer life made an impact everywhere she went…even at 90.
Scripture is transformative when we actually live it out.
The longer I am a Christian, the more I realize how powerful it is to simply take one verse of Scripture and practice living it out as Emilie did. I am trying. I have a list of verses posted in key places around my home that I rehearse daily. I try to pray them and apply them to daily situations that arise. I am learning to live them out.
I’m not sure what your day looks like today, but maybe you don’t need to study anymore or figure out something new. Maybe you just need to be reminded of a few truths that will transform your day.
- “Rejoice in the Lord, always!” My joy and thankfulness will impact my relationships and my mental health.
- “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” My gentleness today will show up in a spirit of submission in all my relationships. It will bring Jesus close.
- “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” My continual conversation with Jesus clears up anxious thoughts. I can trust that He wants to be that involved with me. It’s incredible!
- “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” We all want peace, but this verse reminds me to just go ahead and claim it. As a Christian, God’s peace is ruling my heart, and I can rest in that fact.
Emily Replogle impacted me deeply when I was young. Now that I’m older, I more fully understand the intentionality of her life. Now I understand the struggles she must have felt in figuring out marriage and motherhood. Now my “older” heart realizes she practiced. She lived Scripture, and even in her 90s, an entire restaurant fell silent as her joyful, gentle spirit drew people to the Jesus she knew.
Scripture is transformative when we memorize small truths.
Scripture is not meant to be skimmed like social media. It is not just a collection of quick tips to improve your life. It is truth that will impact your perspective and relationships.
My top priority each day is to spend time alone with God, but if I am honest, the moments that have shaped me most were not just when I read Scripture, but when I chose to obey it in real time.
Reading is the starting point. Living it is where transformation happens.
Read Scripture deeply, but apply it simply.
My challenge for you this week is simple. Memorize one small action verse that you can live out this week and say it all day long, all week long. Do not paraphrase it. Do not try to change it or make it “cute”; just say it straight and hold on to it.
I heard recently that if everyone in the world agreed to live out even just ONE of God’s principles, our world would be transformed. God’s truth can transform your life.
