Making time to read

A friend recently saw my 2009 reading list and asked how I find time to read as I do. The answer may be of use to you or some other person, so here it is.

[b]Reading Matters[/b]
I have never failed to notice a connection between notable men of Christian history and their prolific reading habits. Spurgeon read over 20,000 volumes. Pink probably read more but lost count. Augustine not only read copiously but wrote so much that Isidore of Seville said "the man who claims to have read all of Augustine is a liar." Where does one find ideas for the equivalent of 40 volumes, 300 pages each?

Consider Spurgeon's words,

"As the apostle says to Timothy, so also he says to everyone, 'Give yourself to reading.' He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible. The best way for you to spend your leisure is to be either reading or praying."

[b]Finding a Reason[/b]
The easiest way to find time to read is to [url=http://theopenlife.blogspot.com/2009/02/w-pink-and-benefit-of-biographies-in.html]enjoy what I am reading[/url]. There's no struggle to find opportunities to eat, sleep, or talk with dear friends, because I take great pleasure or derive palpable benefits from these. If we get ourselves focused on why we should read then it will be more natural to start making time for it.

Besides prayer and the Word, doctrinal books often play the greatest role in the development of Christ's disciples. The length, preparation, and portability afforded to printed texts grants an edge over other means of learning. An authoritative volume on a given subject may provide a body of knowledge the author spent years culling. The reader learns freely what would cost painfully to learn by experience. Through books one may travel without expense, observe dangers without peril, and share in joys not his own. Isaac Watts title, [url=http://www.eng.auburn.edu/~sjreeves/cm/improve.html]The Improvement of the Mind[/url] sums it up. The mind is the principle tool of the soul; it is the hand to feed the spirit. The studious reader has a well stocked pantry from which he can create new dishes for himself and others. Thus one should not read merely for intellect or entertainment's sake, but that he might "show himself approved", able to rightly divide the Word of God. [2 Tim. 2:15]

[b]Usual Methods for a Bearable Habit[/b]
Unlike pastors, most of us aren't paid to set aside hours each day for study purposes. Not being vocational readers means having to make the most of our off-hours. Happily, minor adjustments can go a long way to provide that time. How much time are we talking about? My practice of about 1000 pages a month requires less than an hour each day, and I am not a fast reader. I like to say I read at the speed of sound, the sound of my audible voice, that is. This equates to 30-45 pages per day.

[b]Break it Up[/b]
Usually I have three books going at once, with different themes. This helps me to not confuse what I'm learning in each. For instance, I'll juggle one historical, one theological, and one book on contemporary issues. These I read in half-hour segments, which helps me keep interest. So, for instance, I might read book A for half an hour at 4:00 PM. Then at 8 PM I read book B. If I feel good I might switch to book C at 8:30. The concept is the same as watching two or three television shows each day. A frequent change of subjects recaptures the attention hour after hour, day after day. I don't follow exact times, but I try to find an opportunity each day.

[b]Audiobooks are Practical[/b]
For the most part I commute by bike or bus. For this reason I have a membership with ChristianAudio.com that gives me two or three books a month, plus the free one, for $25. I don't go to the movies or pay for cable, so its kind of in my budget to get audio books. While I clean my room, edit photos, or take walks, I listen to an audio book.

[b]Applying What You Read[/b]
The volume of one's reading matters little unless it is applied. After all, [url=http://theopenlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/theology-is-meant-to-direct-not.html]theology is ultimately meant to direct, not fascinate[/url]. All knowledge is to be taken captive, for godly purposes. [2 Corinthians 10:5] Admittedly, this point is usually more challenging than the reading itself. I like to talk with others about what I'm are reading. This causes me to reconstruct the ideas into my own words and cements the information in my head. I understand the concept profitably when I can relate it simply.

[b]Conclusion[/b]
It's definitely a matter of discipline and priorities. Last year I read just a handful of books but I was inspired by two of my friends who were more consistent. It's worth it, considering the degree of edification and growth I have received this way, as opposed to spending tons of time online or hanging out to no purpose.

God bless your efforts. "Whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God." [1 Cor. 10:31]

Thank you for your insights, brother.

I agree, Krispy. I got rid of my TV about five years ago, and if something seems worthwhile, like news or a documentary, I can find it online or rent it. TV is a trap, much like the internet, if one does not set and keep strict terms of use.

What would you all do , if you had found yourselves alone on a desert island , with no books , no television , no telephone , only YOU? Our Father ,Holy Spirit ,and Christ live in and around us every day .Look within yourselves and trust the small voice of our Father x

Thank you for this post brother Michael. The insights that you shared were very helpful.

On a side note, Gerhard Du Toit states that he believes close to 70% of our spiritual development is derived from what we read. I found that to be an interesting thought.

Amen Brother Spotts. I agree that reading is a cornerstone in a christians life. I think my mail man is happy knowing that I keep him employed by ordering so many books. And I have to agree with our dear brother krispy about the T.V. I am by know means saying someone is wrong for having one. But I used to be addicted to sports programs. I remember always saying I don't have time to study and read but when I cut the sports programs out I had plenty of time to really study, read my bible and a good book. Thanks for the post brother spotts.

You're welcome, Fuegodedios.

Regarding the question by spirit2009, "What would you all do, etc."

I could live without TV and phones, and even books, but would mourn the loss of God's revealed word. I care little for the voices in my head if I cannot check them against God's word. :)

spirit2009,

To seek God in ways he has not appointed is sin (Lev. 10). The Lord has instructed us and our children to search the revealed things (His Scripture) and to leave the hidden things to God (Deut 29:29).

We do not look in ourselves for God's revelation, but outward and into his written word. Until we grasp this concept, professing Christianity will continue to be a sea of false teaching and un-Biblical practice, with everyone doing what is right in their own eyes.

With care in Christ,
Taylor

Amen, Taylor. Jesus said, "Have you not read?" The answers are there in the Word, not our hearts.

Yes Jesus said the word brother .......... the word of GOD ,If the Lord is not in your hearts and only books , then we are all lost, only through Christ can we reach the Father not books, when we finally give these earth suits up for eternal life , What shall we read then ?Jesus was right about reading and learning,but only through the holy spirit can you have your eternal life with the Father , and the Holy Spirit cannot be read, only heard .

Friend, I suggest you go back and read the original post. I believe we are in agreement that apart from regeneration the truth profits us little.