Confession Time: As honest as I can be and with regret I have to inform you that I never read a book in high school. I passed every class, did quite well and wrote papers on books I never read. Yes, I was that kid who could talk and write for hours on a book I never read. I spent more time figuring out a way around the book than actually reading the book. While I did well and everything seemed to work out, I regret not putting the effort needed into reading.
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Every day I sit down with a cup of coffee or warm tea and let my imagination take control as I read for hours on a variety of subjects. Who knew that I would find delight in something I constantly tried to avoid through my school career? Oh yeah, my parents! They encouraged me to read every week, but their encouragement went in one ear and gradually trickled out the other side.
Francis Bacon is credited as saying,
“Read, not to contradict or confute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”
(Robert J. Morgan, Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes, electronic ed. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000). 656.)
Even the apostle Paul found importance in books. Consider his words during his imprisonment he asked for the books and the parchments! Of all things to ask for while sitting in prison he asked for books and parchments. Not chocolate cake with a baked in metal file, but the books!
“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.”
The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001). 2 Ti 4:13.
My regrets in not reading have fueled my fire in trying to read as much as I can each day. Reading not only captures the mind, but it produces ideas for further study. As children, each of us had imaginations which kept us busy all day. Seldom in the 
summer were we in front of the television, the Atari, or in bed. Our parents forced us outside into the heat of the day and we let our imaginations take over.
As we have become adults, our imaginations fade with the stark reality of a world full of bills, work and chores. We have left the timeless imaginations of our youth and adopted a negativity that we loathed as children. We have become what we never said we would! We have eaten our words so fast, we never knew what we were eating. Are we reading to change? Are we ready to expand our imaginations once more?
Reading not only expands our minds but it creates a focus on learning. As we read, our minds are taken to the next level. Granted, we must move beyond the Dr. Seuss books into higher reading, but as we read we grow. As we read, we challenge ourselves, because not everyone thinks like we do.
Here are some Tips on Reading from a Reformed Non-Reader:
- Schedule time for reading – If you do not make time, you will not find the time. Everyone complains about being too busy, but we always make time for what we enjoy. Make time for reading.
- Read material you disagree with from time to time – Every now and then, read material that brings you out of your comfort zone. Let the words of the author challenge you to consider your opinion and defend your position. Challenging yourself is a step toward powerful growth.
- Keep a notebook handy – As you read, ideas will flow through your mind, but do not let your ideas get you off-track. Write down your ideas or quotes from your reading in a notebook and then go back to reflect on them after you read.
- Put your reading into practice – For everything we take into our minds, we must use it before it settles in the back corner and begins to develop cobwebs. After you read, share an idea with family, a friend or post it to the internet for others to comment on. Use your knowledge immediately.
- Read Aloud – I know it will sound like you are reading to your imaginary friend, but it works. Each one of us thinks out loud sometimes and the words seem to come out clearer, why not read a portion out loud and see if you understand it better?
- Read to Your Children – Schedule time to read to your children and do it! Do not read with boring monologue; instead, read with emotions, make up voices and sounds. Your children will grasp the words of the text more, and who knows, you may too.
- Volunteer – If you have small children in school, talk to their teacher about coming in and reading to the children. You can also talk to the school and get in their reading mentoring program. Each week, you can spend one hour helping out a young person and see them grow throughout the year.
- Establish a Reading Program in Your Congregation – I know of several congregations take the children in a classroom and spend 15 – 20 minutes before services reading to them then asking them what they just listened too. Expanding reading into our congregation will be a beneficial way to see our young people flourish.
Some of My Favorite Books:
- The Bible (of course)
- Various John Maxwell books:
- Attitude 101
- Failing Forward
- Developing the Leaders Around You
- Winning With People
- Maxwell 3-in-1 Special Edition (The Winning Attitude / Developing the Leaders Around You / Becoming a Person of Influence)
- Your Roadmap for Success
- Preaching with Freshness by Bruce Mawhinney
- Three John MacArthur Books:
- Ashamed of the Gospel
- Twelve Ordinary Men
- Hard to Believe
There are many others I could mention, but the list would be extremely long. I encourage you to begin your own reading list and keep those books coming!
Consider this final thought,”
“Poor people have big TVs, rich people have libraries.” – Brian Tracy
Just some thoughts,
Chris
