I always start the year off with great ambitions for what and how much I am going to read. Then spring hits, I end up being outside more and my reading pace drops off. There are at least 3 stacks of books I have in the “want to read” category…and that is just in my office. I have another stack sitting at home as well.  I had great intentions of reading them but didn’t. Now summer is upon us and it’s a great time to catch up a bit.

Books are influential. They can inspire, educate, challenge, and help us rest. However, like all influences, they may not be a good one. There are many books to read and topics to dive into, but not all of them are worth our time. We know this reality with people, but have you ever thought about this when it comes to books? In the same way, people can influence for good or bad, books do the same. 

What you read will shape you. It will shape not only what you think, but how you think.

Jon Bloom

Randy Alcorn writes an article on this topic. In it, he argues that the books we read build the person we are. It is an intriguing point I don’t think I recognize enough. The books I read influence me. They change me – sometimes for the better and others not so much. We wouldn’t let just anyone influence us, so maybe we should apply the same discernment to our books. 

READ THE ARTICLE

I hope you are enjoying the summer with a good book or two. A fictional novel, or inspirational story, or an educational tome about a new to you subject – all of these can be a great use of our time. I hope you are reading, resting, and being rejuvenated during these summer months. And don’t forget to be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Until Next Time…