Love of Reading, Love of God
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
It shouldn't surprise me that I am a Christian. Christians are "people of the book," and I love to read. A reader is someone who affirms learning as a way of life. The readers' way of life is adventure, creativity, courage, determination, and optimism for the unknown. Readers enjoy stepping into the unknown and boldly experiencing the new.
Christians are people of the book because we are critical thinkers. We should not live by pure emotion but also with an analytical eye. Our intellectual evaluation influences our emotions. We are less likely to be manipulated by misguided feelings when we invite studious assessment into our thought process. The Holy Spirit lives in the shade of emotion and evaluation. The sacred Book and our commitment to reading allow the Spirit to keep us grounded in the foundation of God's wisdom.
While the Bible is the uniquely authoritative witness to God's being and work in creation, God's Spirit can use other writings to make a divine point. For example, I've learned much about overcoming evil from the Harry Potter series. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius opened the door to stoic philosophy and the benefits of living without allowing emotion to rule the mind. I also rely on many Biblical Scholars to address my intellectual limitations by sharing their learning to increase my wisdom. Finally, even entertaining novels, from historical to sci-fi, can provide examples and experiences of courage and hope amid adversity and teach the greater good of hope.
Today, think about your commitment to reading. What do you enjoy? Perhaps it is time to pick up a fun read. When was the last time you cracked open your Bible? It is always time to reacquaint yourself with the divine Word because God speaks through its pages. If it feels too daunting, there are commentaries and other explanations on different Biblical books. You don't have to start with Genesis and read it like a novel. Instead, open a gospel and read it. But as you read, put yourself into the characters' situations, and soon the words will come alive in your heart. Bringing the words alive is what reading is all about!