I don’t love to read, but…
By Beth, Singapore
I think I must look like a nerd. For many people have asked me, “You love to read, right?”
Well, no, I don’t love to read. I would rather be entertained in some other ways—be it slumping in front of the TV or surfing the Internet.
But I try to read anyway. Some books just inspire you to think great thoughts of God and strengthen your heart to follow Jesus. Besides, life is too short to be watching too much TV, surf the net or read trashy books. I’m making a conscious effort to read and am currently reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship and John Piper’s When I Don’t Desire God (and abandoning Elizabeth Elliot’s Through the Gates of Splendor).
I’m amazed at what I retain from the books. During a Bible quiz in church, salient ideas from certain books just popped up in my mind when we were answering questions relating to Christian belief and practices. For example, on the question relating to women leading and preaching in church, at one point I was musing, “Just read What’s the Difference? Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible by John Piper on his advocacy of women encouraging men to lead, preach and teach, and women serving God in the many other ministries available.” At another point, I thought, “Just check out the chapter on Sarah in John MacArthur’s Twelve Extraordinary Women. She is a woman praised for her gentleness and meekness though her submission as a wife.”
Well, I’ve come to a point where I think all I need is just one takeaway from every book that I read—that alone would make the reading all worthwhile. My little brain can’t synthesize anything more.
But I’ve only read 50% of the books that I have (there are 100 books in my possession!) and am adding to my collection from time to time. I wonder if I would ever finish reading them in my lifetime. Yet I guess as long as I don’t give up, I would be able to cover most of them.
If you struggle with reading, try books that are of interest to you and not intimidating in length. Enjoy the fellowship with other believers through their words in print!
YMI Note:
Read any good books lately? Share it with us!
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Wow this really sounded like me! I’m exactly the same. Trying to study the Bible cover to cover at the moment and I’m finding it really hard. Thank you so much for posting this, made me realise there are others out there like me. Feel a bit of a fool sometimes!
- Tania
Hi Tania!
Yes, sometimes we really wonder whether we are the only ones mulling over certain ideas or struggling with certain issues and that others don’t understand how we think or feel, don’t we? I’m falling behind on my Bible reading but let’s not give up on knowing God’s word. Since He purposed for His will to be revealed to us, we should really endeavour to know what He wants us to know. And His people has also ruminated on His word to share with us their inspirations. May God grant us greater love for His word and truth!
on the contrary, i love to read but i’m often distracted by so many other things, i never really get down to reading! i need to turn off the tv/computer and pick out THAT book!
maybe i should come back here to share THAT book i’m going to read
thanks for the encouragement!
Yes, please do pick up that book to read and share with us what you’ve learned!
came across an old ODB article, titled Book Friends — by Haddon W. Robinson:
The apostle Paul sat alone in a Roman prison facing his final weeks on earth. The wet cold of the dungeon must have pierced his bones as he penned a letter to his young friend Timothy, urging him to come before winter (2 Tim 4:21). He asked Timothy to bring a cloak with him, which would shield him from the gnawing chill, and to bring the scrolls, and especially the parchments.
The parchments, made of animal skins, may have been copies of parts of the Old Testament. The “books,” made of papyrus, were probably scrolls. Clearly, Paul did not plan to write another weighty theological letter like the book of Romans. Nor was he about to prepare more sermons. He needed those books to warm his heart and to keep his mind alert.
A famous French author has written, “The wise men who have written before our time are travelers who have preceded us in the paths of misfortune, and who reach out to us their hands to invite us to join their society when all others have abandoned us. A good book is a good friend.”
We need to cultivate good reading habits. The Bible, of course, is number one. But God also uses good book friends to encourage our heart and stimulate our mind.
A good book—like a good friend—is always there in your time of need.
Start reading, friends!
Thank u for this article! I used to read the kind of books mentioned above but have since abandoned that habit because it was such a chore
u have reminded me of the reason I first picked up reading these books yrs ago:)