The Importance Of Reading
by Steve Wilkins
II Timothy 4:13 -- "Bring the cloak that I left with
Carpus at Troas when you come -- and the books, especially the parchments."
The importance of reading sound, profitable books to a Christian's life
and growth could hardly be better illustrated than by these words of Paul.
Here is Paul in prison, with the care of all the churches, with epistles
to write, facing the prospect of death, and yet desiring books that he may
continue his study and grow in his understanding of the Word of God! Here
is Paul who had been preaching at least 30 years, who has seen the Lord
Jesus, who has been "caught up to the third heaven", who had written
the major portion of the New Testament, and given visions without number,
yet he desires books to study!
Paul's words stand forever as a rebuke to those who think themselves too
wise, too old, too busy, or too burdened to read good books. John Calvin
when preaching upon this passage made these observations:
"When we see St. Paul which had such revelations, yea,
above all the Apostles, study yet still, and sendeth for his books for his
use, and that being in prison, ready almost to put off this body, and seeing
himself at death's door and (as it were) half out of this world, his soul
being more on high in heaven than with his body, that yet (I say) he hath
a care to study, alas, what must we do?....St. Paul, (whom we shall never
come nigh so long as we live)...ceaseth not to give himself to study, and
doth it not like an hypocrite, nor in feigned sort of humbleness, but he
doth it knowing that he can never be fit enough to teach the Church of God.
And therefore if we will be good masters and good teachers, we must begin
at this end, to be good scholars, and we must not do it only at the beginning
but we must employ ourselves in it all the days of our life. Therefore,
seeing St. Paul giveth us such an example, what a shame will it be for us,
if we think we know enough, when we have but lightly looked over what is
contained in the holy scripture? So then let us mark well that we are exhorted
here generally to confirm ourselves all the days of our life in the doctrine
of salvation. And to do so, know we , that we must not stand gaping and
gazing but see we use such means as God giveth us." (from Calvin's
Sermons on II Timothy)
Are you taking advantage of the opportunity God has given us to obtain and
read good books? There are few investments that will bring better returns
than buying sound, biblical literature. Few things are a more profitable
use of your free time than hearing the godly counsel and instruction of
our fathers in the faith. If Paul was concerned to read and study, who are
we to ignore this important task? Listen to C. H. Spurgeon:
"You need to read. Renounce as much as you will all light
literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially
the Puritanic writers and expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded
that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure is to be either
reading or praying. You may get much instruction from books which afterwards
you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master's service. Paul cries,
'Bring the books' -- join the cry."
It is vital that we take advantage of the unusual opportunity we have in
our day to obtain good literature. Set aside a portion of your monthly budget
to purchase good books and build a family library. Begin today to set aside
time daily to read and study. "The man who will not read is no better
than the man who cannot read."