"Being a Christian is Too Hard..."

We like to complicate things. The more complicated something is the better it has to be, right?

Unfortunately, we take this mindset into our faith.

We complicate things.

Why? Because that's what we do. Perhaps you aren't growing in your relationship with Jesus because you find it too difficult. Being a Christian is too hard. The requirements are too much. You're embarrassed of your past. You don't have enough time. You don't know where to start and the finish is too far away. There's just too much to do that it can be daunting.

If you want to grow in your relationship with Jesus, start by doing this one thing.

Sit down and open up your Bible and read. It's simple. Read a Psalm. Begin in one of the gospels. Read a verse. Read a chapter. It really doesn't matter how much you read.

Wait one second before you click on your next link. You might think this is oversimplifying things. You already know you should read your Bible.

But answer this question: how many times did you read the Bible last week? In the last month?

If your answer is zero (and don't feel too badly if it is), then this is the one thing you need to do.

If you didn't read the Bible a single time, then the first time you do that is a 100% increase. Do it seven days in a row and that's 700% growth! Don't worry about how much you read at first. Don't think because you only read a verse or a chapter that it's not enough. We also need to get over our "all or none" mindset. Three minutes reading the Word is better than none.

Tonight place your Bible by your coffee pot. When you wake up, pour yourself a cup of coffee. Instead of turning on the Today Show with Matt Lauer (which will be difficult because he's one cool cat), read a couple verses or a chapter.

Don't use an app to read the Bible. Nothing is wrong with it, but using your phone or tablet is distracting and you'll want to check on other things. Also, there's something about paper on your fingertips.

Are you still skeptical that this will improve your relationship with Jesus?

Jesus' earthly brother James said that if we will come near to God then God will come near to us (James 4:8). Creating a habit of reading the Word every day is an act of drawing near to Him. Not only that but you are reading what God says. While you don't always hear God when you pray, you can always hear him when you read His Word.

Give this one thing a try. Don't worry about how simple it is. God likes to keep some things simple for us. If you haven't been reading your Bible, do it. You can do it. This one thing can help grow your relationship with Jesus.