By Brian Giese
It has been said, “Education is everything you have learned minus all you have forgotten.” How can you be certain you remember the most important stuff?
One way is by memorizing the information and regularly reviewing it. I was motivated to do just that when I was told I probably was going to become legally blind. I asked myself, What do I want to have in my head if I get to the point where I can no longer read?
That was 24 years ago, and my experience in memorization has proven to be a real blessing. I came up with enough memory work that it takes me half an hour a day, six days a week, to review it. The things I memorized as a child stay with me without continual repetition. But memory work I”ve done as an adult will be lost without regular review.
Selecting Material
Each person will have his own idea what he wants to store in his memory bank. The most valuable material for me have been passages of Scripture. Moses told the Israelites, “These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7). The Israelites didn”t have pocket Bibles in those days, so they depended on memorized Scripture to obey these commands.
The psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). What Scriptures can you recall that will keep you from sin?
I selected some great Bible texts, such as the Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13), Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), and some of the best-loved Psalms (23, 100, 103, 150). I also included many verses that could be used to share the gospel with others. The Bible includes facts to be believed, commands to be obeyed, promises to be enjoyed, and warnings to be heeded. Several verses fit each of these categories.
I also memorized texts that dealt with my particular sin struggles. I wanted to be able to quote these back to the devil whenever I was tempted.
Finally, I chose Scriptures that helped me vocationally. Since I was a preaching minister, I selected verses that could be used for benedictions, invitations, Communion and offering times, weddings, and funerals.
Other memory work that was not directly from the Bible included principles, quotations, and proverbs from other literature and from life experiences. These cover a wide range of topics such as marriage, parenting, leadership, counseling, ethics, and theology.
I included quite a bit of material on apologetics””defending the Christian faith and the authority of Scripture. Then there were Bible facts I wanted to remember””the Ten Commandments, the 10 plagues, the 12 tribes of Israel, the 12 apostles, etc.
I could provide more details on the types of material I selected, but these will suffice to spark your imagination. Much of what you choose is subjective. It depends on your own needs, gifts, and interests. For me, half the fun of memorizing is selecting what to include.
As my needs and circumstances change, the content of my memory work has adapted to those changes. Now that I am retired, some of my old memory work is no longer as relevant, so I have replaced it with new material.
The Reviewing Process
I silently review my memory work each day while walking. I walk two miles a day, or do the treadmill for half an hour. Either way, it is just enough time to review the memory data for that day, and it enables me to accomplish two tasks simultaneously.
It is important to have a set time for review. Find what works for you. If you have difficulty falling asleep at night or have a long commute to work, or another time in your daily routine that would work better, go for it!
I take one day off each week.
The Benefits
My memorization efforts definitely have been worth it. The Scripture I have memorized has provided the greatest blessing.
Repeating key passages of Scripture works on your heart as well as your head. Memorized verses also can be shared with others in time of need.
Most of the nonbiblical memory work has been helpful at times. Some of the less practical items have been dropped and replaced by more beneficial information.
Examples of the most frequently used material are “how to know the will of God,” “60 principles of leadership,” “steps to squelching gossip,” “communication that resolves conflicts,” “creation vs. evolution,” “habits of highly effective people,” “principles of the Restoration Movement,” and “why Jesus is the only way.”
Vital Subjects
One of my seminary professors said, “If you could remember just one good paragraph summarizing each course you took in college and seminary, you would be a highly educated person.” That statement was one of the principles that guided me in assembling my memory work. That does not mean I necessarily focused so much on summing up school courses, although there was some of that. But I primarily zeroed in on subjects I deemed vital to me both spiritually and pragmatically.
The bottom line is: Don”t leave what you remember to chance. Be intentional about it. Pray for wisdom concerning this project. Work at it and you will be blessed and be a greater blessing to others.
After serving 45 years in vocational ministry, Brian Giese is now retired and living in Kewanee, Illinois.
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