‘Bring me my books!’ was the Apostle Paul’s demand.
But why? Had he forgotten what he had read? Doubtful. Nor did he need them to supplement the Scriptures as though somehow his library was incomplete without his precious parchments. Paul had a firm conviction in the authority and sufficiency of the Scriptures. And yet he wanted his books.
Why Christians should read?
Books seem old fashioned to some. We can download, stream, watch and interact online. Aren’t the days of books long gone? We don’t think so. That is because we are essentially a people of the Book. God communicates with us in the written Word made living and active by his powerful Spirit. Al Mohler says: ‘The electronic media have their places… nevertheless, the electronic screen is not the venue for lengthy, thoughtful, serious reading… and the Christian should be a serious reader’.
And reading books is still the best discipline for taking in information. We say that with personal inbuilt disadvantages. One of us (we won’t say which) is dyslexic and both of us have woefully short attention spans. We have busy lives.
Yet reading books still works. We read different books, at different speeds, taking in and remembering different amounts. But it works for both of us.
We shouldn’t be surprised at this. God, who gives us his Word, has surely designed all our minds so that we are readers! Perhaps you’re convinced on the importance of reading books, but the practicality is a totally different matter? Here are some simple tips to follow:
Keep it simple. Don’t be too ambitious. All of us have probably started projects that never got finished — it’s totally demoralising. So if you’re a new reader, don’t start with a thick, complex volume. Also don’t expect to suddenly be able to sit down and read for hours on end — start off with just a few minutes a day, in a regular slot if possible. You’ll be amazed how quickly you will get through books. And choose books with short chapters as a starter. For those with specific reading difficulties, don’t be embarrassed to tap into the increasing number of targeted resources, nor to read and enjoy books written for teens, for example.
Be discerning. ‘Of making many books there is no end’, say the Scriptures! Just because it’s in your local bookshop, or highlighted on a certain website doesn’t mean it demands your attention. As an easy rule, stick to good evangelical publishers and authors. Listen to and ask for recommendations from those you trust. If you’re in leadership at your church, you owe it to your congregation to ensure your church has a decent bookstall. If the venue or budget is tight, ensure you have books at one-off events, or provide something online. There are sellers that can come to your event, provide a sale or return service, or even service you with a personalised online shop, for free.
Stay balanced. There are a great variety of books out there. Just as we need a balanced diet, balance in reading is also a worthy thing. Read a good mix of biographies, devotional books, those that engage with relevant issues, as well as those on evangelism and training.
Get a reading buddy. Many of us struggle to read in a disciplined way, so why not try reading with someone? You don’t need to be in the same room. Read separately and then perhaps meet up for a coffee to discuss or set up a private blog where you can swap your thoughts. Pray in the lessons you learn.
Pass it on. When you’ve read a book, give it to someone in your church, or even mission partners overseas? Parcel up some decent books and send them off — they will be a welcome gift. Books can also be great evangelistic tools. You’ll be amazed how well evangelistic books are received when given prayerfully and cheerfully. Evangelistic literature has changed countless lives.
Finally. Please don’t read Christian books at the expense of reading your Bible. That is tragic.
So will you be a reader? Go on — we dare you! Go get your books…
Adrian Reynolds and Jonathan Carswell are Director of Ministry at the Proclamation Trust and Managing Director of the book company TenofThose.com respectively.
