Why people shy away from reading the Word~

Over the years it seems that people enjoy reading other people's works more than reading the Word. I have to admit that it was always easier for me to read a devotional and hear an encouraging message rather than trudge through the Word.
Hebrews 4:12-13 gives us all an insight to why we shy away from the Word, and retreat to others writings. Paul pen's these word's "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two edged sword, it penetrates  even to dividing the soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Over the years many have used the excuse saying "God knows my heart!" I myself BC (Before Christ), used the same line to justify my belief's and attempt to make myself 'Feel' better about my actions. Can you relate, or know anyone else that has been there?
Jerimiah 17:9 says "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This is a key indicator and reminder for me as I pursue Christ and His ways. Our heart can be swayed away from following Christ whole heartedly by our own passions and desires, our family and friends, and our emotions and thoughts. Why is it so hard to give 100% to Christ as we are instructed in the Word? Because of what Jeremiah writes (prophesies). We would all be lying if we said that we have never 'Maligned' the Word and have been disobedient because of the things in which I have listed above.
It is not easy to accept the 'Word of God as Black and White.' Why? Because it shows us our true heart. It divides our spirit and our soul and 'IF' we stay in it and accept it as God Speaking to us (and we all should), then we will have to change. We would have to 'Purify' our hearts and souls. We might have to look in the mirror and accept the fact that we are not in the race and that we do not love as Christ, giving Him and everyone else our all. Lord forbid we become so hardened that we accept our opinions, thoughts, ideologies, and others interpretations over 'The Word.' It was not easy for me and it will not be easy for any of you. However; I can say this "It isn't hard and it is much easier to believe it and live it, rather than deny it and justify our own actions (Hearts).
We will all "Give and Account" as it is written to God one day. We will not be able to stand before Him and blame others writings, or use any excuse for why we did not place His Word above all things. He really knows our hearts regardless of what we think. Our actions always prove our true heart. It may be scary to look at what it really is, but once we truly see it for what it is we can allow Him to fill us up with life instead of death. Last but not least "Why do you believe what you believe?" I pray it is because you know the Word of God and are truly living it~