I have tried to find a way to ask this that doesn't sound argumentative, and I don't mean it to be...

How are you following the words of Jesus without reading them?

Well...I think you can hear the bible without having to read it yourself and in that way follow Jesus, but that's a really easy way to become manipulated. Usually pastors are trustworthy but I think it's better to read it for yourself. I think it's important to see the context the words are in and not just think "well the majority of people seem to think Jesus meant this when he said that."
Although to be honest I've only read Luke and bits and pieces of the other gospels. I've never read the bible all the way through but I want to some day.

Just don't get bogged down in Leviticus and quit. Or when everything gets repeated with a few minor changes in Deuteronomy.

I'm actually the same way. (Thought I was the only one. Yay, I'm not!) I'm a Christian and love God and Jesus, yet I don't read the Bible. I mean, I've tried... a lot. It just gets boring when you get to reading the list of names of [person's name here]'s many children and blah blah blah. I know that makes me sound rude, but I'm being honest. I tend to lose interest, and focus, somewhat easily. x//x; When I think about it though, I tried reading the Bible years ago. Maybe I should try again, now that I'm older. =/ *shrug*

Indeed, you should try again. And when you are reaching some parts when you find it boring, just pass that text and continue the reading. That way, you won't give up in reading the Scriptures, which is the main need for a christian. God bless you!

Don't read the list of names then. If you don't know nor understand the Bible, how are you going to rebut or defend your faith when an atheist/skeptic tries to question or mislead you with wrong Biblical quotes?