Why should church members read?

BY: MIKEY PESQUEDA

Reading can seem like an outdated hobby to those who have embraced a world of modern technology. I mean, why read when you could just have Siri tell you the answers? Even though we have the answers at our finger tips I believe we must prioritize reading. When I talk about reading, I am not only talking about the reading of God’s Word, but also reading books written by godly men and women.

The Importance of Reading God’s Word
When we individually dive into the Bible, we get to spend time learning about who God is. If we truly want to know God and know who we are, we must value the Word of God. God’s Word is the tool that He uses to sanctify His children. We must value it because He has blessed us with it. We must never become complacent with where we are in our relationship to God, but we must seek to know Him more. The inerrant Word of God teaches us and shapes up into being more Christlike. Sunday morning is not enough time in the Word. We must daily seek Christ.

The Importance of Reading Good Books
I love reading a good book. I have never cared too much for reading fiction, but have spent all my time reading good theologically rich books. Reading a theologically rich book has challenged me to grow in my understanding and in my love for God. Reading a book like this can be much like talking to an older and wiser man or woman of God who have seen God do incredible things in their lives. We get to glean off of those who have ran the race before us and even those who have long passed on. If you are serious about growing in your knowledge of Christ then I believe that good books on theology, biographies, and practical Christian life are helpful. These books are not inerrant and are not to be read instead of Scripture, but can be read to help us learn from other believers. The caution I would have for people when it comes to reading books is to do your homework on the author. Many people have been lead astray because they see a good book with a catchy title but the book itself is only full of wisdom of the world, not wisdom from the Word.