The Blazing Center

Alright the truth comes out: I’m somewhat of a book freak. I like getting new books. I like getting old books with new covers. I could spend hours browsing in bookstores. I recently attended the Together For The Gospel conference and received over 28 pounds of new books. And with all the new books that come out every day there’s a constant temptation to always be looking forward to new books.

However, at the Together for the Gospel conference C.J. Mahaney said something that challenged me when it comes to book reading. He encouraged pastors (and in turn all Christians) to create a short list of outstanding books related to the gospel and to master the contents of those books. Wow. Now that’s a challenge to my book-hoarding mentality.

So how do we master the contents of a book? Here’s just a few thoughts:

Interact With The Book

Don’t just read a book, attack a book. Highlight particularly striking passages. Write your thoughts and questions in the margins. Chew on particularly deep paragraphs and let the biblical truth sink into your heart. Reading a book shouldn’t be a one-sided affair, with the author doing all the talking. Think of reading a book as a conversation between yourself and the author. Master a book by interacting with a book.

Apply The Book

On the final day God isn’t going to be impressed with how many books you’ve read. It’s the application of God’s truth that matters. When you’re reading a book, make a conscious effort to apply the contents of the book to every day life. For example, I’m currently reading a book by Ed Welch that deals with overcoming fear. As I read that book I’m thinking about my particular temptations to fear and then applying specific truth to my specific fears. Don’t read books just to read them. Read to apply.

Talk About The Book

Nothing helps crystallize your thoughts on a subject more than talking to someone else about it. Jen and I have been reading Ed Welch’s book Running Scared at the same time, and we often find ourselves talking about the things we fear. I’ve been able to import much of Ed Welch’s wisdom directly into these conversations. Master a book with someone else.

Re-read a Book

Just because you’ve read a book once or twice doesn’t mean that you’ve mastered it. Charles Spurgeon read the book Pilgrim’s Progress over a hundred times in his life. Why bother with re-reading a book? Because each time you read a book you’ll read it with new eyes. Since the last time you read the book you’ve experienced new trials, new joys, and gained new insight into God. If you want to master a book, re-read it.

I want to learn how to master books. Do you have any other suggestions for me?