There was a time that I hated reading...anything. And, my growth
level was stifled. I heard the books that others were reading and how
fellow leaders were growing because of what they were learning. It
dawned on me one day that I wasn't moving forward in opportunities
largely because books were not in my interest area. So, honestly, I
prayed to God about it. I mean, I really asked Him to give me not just
an interest in reading, but a passion about growing. It wasn't long
after this particular prayer experience that I came across this
challenge (in a book I was reading, of all things): "You'll be the same
person you are now in five years except for two things - the books you
read and the people you meet." Well, I decided that if that was true,
the last thing I wanted to be was the same person in five years. That
was many years ago now, and I can say that I love reading, really!
Books have become, in a way, a pastime for me.
Consider these helps:
- Read daily, even if there's only time for a few paragraphs or one chapter.
- Grab those quiet moments for reading so as to really process the information.
- Read some books that you know will challenge your thinking and/or strengthen your convictions.
- Actually finish the book and don't just skim it. (If it's really worth reading, it's worth finishing.)
- Ask what others are reading and recommend a good read along the way.
I've
found that reading embodies companionship, instills confidence, stirs
creativity, enlarges conscientiousness and almost demands a sense of
conquest. Anymore, I read for purpose and less for pleasure...gaining
information that helps me devotionally and intellectually. And, I
continually find that God speaks primarily from His Word (first priority
reading), but the translation of that also comes through the intellect
and information of good writers. So, I can read in the freedom of
knowing the Holy Spirit as my filter and reading companion. All of this
to say: READ A BOOK, REALLY!
2 comments:
This is EXACTLY how I started to read more. Thanks Pastor Darren! This was a GOOD READ!
Thanks, Jason, for "reading" and being the kind of leader that encourages others to grow!
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