I often remember the quote that "the books you read now will determine who you are 5 years from now". I think that is so true! I thought of a theory this morning about "strategical book reading", and different levels of book reading. My thoughts drifted to this because recently I was reading a few books that were refreshing but not challenging. These were good books reminding me of basics of discipleship and church...but they were talking about stuff that I had heard before. I realized that while they were doing a good job reminding me and keeping me fresh on the importance and essentials of discipleship, they were not really igniting any hunger or new sparks of thought in me. However, I see the value in reading the basic inspirational books not just the professors and academics. Anyways, as I was thinking through all of this I came up with a plan to read three different types of books. While there is definitely overlap in these areas, I think it is important to keep a mix of all of these types:
1. Reminder/Refresher
These are books that remind me and refresh me on the basics of Christianity. They might be used for devotional books, or late at night reading right before bed. Right now I am reading "multiply" by Francis Chang, it seems more geared to new believers and people who don't know the bible. But I am skimming through it to see it's method of discipleship and to get a refreshing on the core elements of gospel and discipleship. I am also re-reading Richard Foster's "celebration of discipline". It is such a sweet and challenging book, really good to keep this in mind!
2. Relative Books
These are books that fit with where I am at in life and what I am working on. For instance I am trying to start a bible course for local taiwanese, so I am thinking through education and how to use technology with education. So I just bought a book called "one world classroom" by Sal Khan, a guy who created a classroom online! I also am thinking alot about missional living and the church/city, so I want to read Tim Keller's "city center" it is his theological manifesto of how he does and sees church. Both of these books will fuel the fire of what I am working on and thinking about now!
3. Rational Benders
I don't know if this is a good title for these books, but I wanted 3 r's! But I basically mean the books that I have to read slowly and chew on in order to understand, the books that raise my intellectual high-bar. The books that teach me and challenge me on every new page. These can range from classics like Calvin's Institutes or Aquians' summa theoligica to modern day professors and authors who are way smarter than me.
It is good to find a balance in all these books...are you challenging your brain and refreshing your soul with the books you read...a real good book will do both!
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