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Floors, Stairs, and Ceilings: A Framework for Scripture Study
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Erin Ropelato

Floors, Stairs, and Ceilings: A Framework for Scripture Study

The “Floors, Stairs, and Ceilings” framework, originally developed by B.J. Fogg in his work on behavior change, is a powerful tool for building habits. It’s particularly useful for scripture study because it allows you to adapt your efforts to your energy, time, and circumstances on any given day.

Defining the Framework:

  • Floors: The simplest, bare-minimum version of a habit. A “floor” ensures you can always do something—even when life feels overwhelming.
  • Stairs: Moderate, manageable steps that build on the floor. Stairs help you progress without feeling pressured to do too much.
  • Ceilings: Aspirational goals that represent your ideal effort. These push you to grow and deepen your engagement.

Using this model, you can adapt scripture study to fit your life while making meaningful progress. Below are ideas for each of the eight learning styles.

Social Learner

Floors:

  • Share one verse with a friend or loved one and discuss its meaning.
  • Attend a scripture study class or group.

Stairs:

  • Organize a small scripture study session with friends.
  • Pair up with a study buddy to read and discuss scriptures weekly.

Ceilings:

  • Lead a scripture study workshop or group discussion.
  • Facilitate a scripture-based family home evening or activity.

Individual Learner

Floors:

  • Reflect on how a single scripture applies to your life today.
  • Write one sentence about what a verse means to you in your journal.

Stairs:

  • Spend five minutes meditating on a principle from your study.
  • Set a goal inspired by a scripture verse and track your progress.

Ceilings:

  • Write a journal entry reflecting how a favorite scripture has shaped your life.
  • Develop a detailed spiritual growth plan based on your scripture studies.

Hands-On Learner

Floors:

  • Read a verse to ponder while washing dishes or folding laundry.
  • Act out a short scripture story.

Stairs:

  • Read scriptures while walking on a treadmill.
  • Listen to the scriptures while driving.

Ceilings:

  • Eat a snack while reading and marking scriptures.
  • Create a small craft to remind you of a favorite verse.

Book Learner

Floors:

  • Copy a verse word-for-word in a notebook.
  • Write down a single takeaway in your journal after reading a scripture.

Stairs:

  • Paraphrase a chapter or story in your own words.
  • Write a short poem or prayer inspired by a scripture.

Ceilings:

  • Draft a blog post or article explaining the meaning of a chapter.
  • Create a devotional talk based on a scripture and practice presenting it.

STEM Learner

Floors:

  • Identify a pattern in a verse (e.g., repeated words or phrases).
  • Highlight any cause-and-effect relationships in a passage.

Stairs:

  • Chart different ways a single principle (like faith or forgiveness) is taught across scriptures.
  • Make a list comparing multiple scriptural figures or events.

Ceilings:

  • Develop a chart showing how a doctrine is taught step-by-step in scriptures.
  • Create a timeline or graph to analyze a series of events in scripture.

Music Learner

Floors:

  • Listen to hymn or song based on a scripture.
  • Repeat a scripture aloud several times to memorize it.

Stairs:

  • Put a verse to a simple melody.
  • Record yourself reading scriptures and listen to it..

Ceilings:

  • Study the scriptures with instrumental music playing in the background.
  • Listen to a podcast episode about a  chapter while following along in your scriptures.

Nature Learner

Floors:

  • Read a scripture while sitting outside in nature.
  • Observe an element of nature (e.g., a tree or river) and think about its scriptural symbolism.

Stairs:

  • Study scriptures about creation and find examples in your surroundings.
  • Take a walk and ponder on how God’s creations reflect His character.

Ceilings:

  • Create a photo journal that connects scriptural ideas with nature.
  • Plan an outdoor scripture study retreat or hike.

Visual Learner

Floors:

  • Look at a scripture verse and visualize the scene or message in your mind.
  • Use a scripture journal to draw a simple sketch related to a verse.

Stairs:

  • Highlight key words or phrases in different colors to emphasize themes.
  • Create a basic mind map connecting related scripture topics.

Ceilings:

  • Design a full-page infographic that visually explains a scriptural concept.
  • Create a visual timeline of events in a scripture story or chapter.

By implementing “Floors, Stairs, and Ceilings” in your scripture study, you can tailor your efforts to fit any situation while engaging your personal learning style. This adaptable framework makes scripture study both achievable and inspiring, whether you’re starting small or aiming high.

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