“I, Daniel, understood by books…” (Daniel 9:2). This statement affirms that men of books are men of great understanding. This is why the Apostle Paul requested his books and parchments (jotters):
“The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.” (2 Timothy 4:13)
Dear friends, a good book has the power to change your life in profound ways. Books provide a gateway to new perspectives, offering insights that can challenge your existing beliefs, expand your understanding, and foster personal growth. Whether through fiction or non-fiction, books can open your mind to different cultures, philosophies, and experiences, helping you develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Books by great authors, in particular, can inspire you to think critically, reflect on your life choices, and pursue your passions, ultimately leading to positive, lasting change. They can provide strategies for overcoming obstacles, improving mental health, or achieving personal goals. In general, reading good books exposes you to great minds, helping you to grow intellectually and spiritually. As the Bible says, “Study to show thyself approved” (2 Timothy 2:15).
We are not reading to pass, but to last. This implies that reading must be done effectively. But how do we read effectively? Reading without thinking is like swallowing meat without chewing. This way, you can’t ever enjoy its “taste”. Therefore, reasoning and writing are essential components of effective reading. When you read and jot down thoughts simultaneously, you foster reasoning. You will not know how much you understand until you write it out. Like Paul, you need parchments (jotters) for life transformation through books.
Reading good books is a privileged interview with great minds you may never meet and a personal research journey into the works others have laboured to gather. This is something we must do regularly. Personally, whenever I read books and take notes, I am always inspired to come up with greater ideas and brilliant write-ups. Reading builds me to build others. Certainly, only those who build themselves by reading can build others. No wonder it is said, “Readers are leaders.”
Believe me honestly, the next inspired book you read will undoubtedly change your life! You can’t remain the same after embarking on an adventure through a good book.
HAPPY WORLD BOOK DAY
@afo4Jesus
