Since I have a little extra time on my hands, I have been able to increase my reading quotient. In the morning when I get up, I have been reading two books as I eat breakfast. The first is a book by Sam Storms entitled, Signs of the Spirit – an interpretive work on Jonathan Edward’s book, Religious Affections. As you might well imagine, this is not an easy read, but it is perhaps one of the most valuable books I have read in the last 4 years about the Christian life and what true conversion looks like. I wish I would have had the spiritual impetus in high school to read this book and then to read it periodically after that (perhaps every 6 to 8 years). I will definitely read it again, probably as soon as I finish it… there is just so much there. I may share some of the contents with you in future blog entries.
The second book is simply entitled, Bruchko. It is the story of a 19-year-old youth who sets off on his own to minister to Stone Age Indians in South America and ends up being used by God to bring many from the Motilone Tribe into the kingdom of God. Quite simply, my review of this book is “Wow.” I read this book when I was in 10th grade (many moons ago), I read it again in seminary, and now find myself wrapped up in the story, sucking every ounce of enjoyment and amazement I can from its pages before I am done with it. It is a story like something out of the life of Paul on his journeys, or Peter preaching at Pentecost, or perhaps more closely, Jesus.
Al Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has said, “We read biographies because worthy portraits of our fellow human beings help us to make sense of the world.” A gentleman on Amazon.com wrote about his Christian biography list: “I want them (his children) to know that we aren’t guaranteed a cozy American suburban existence, nor is that what Christianity is all about. I cannot easily remove them from this place and time, but I can read to them about the struggles of others to prepare them spiritually and intellectually for whatever God has in store for us.” I find that Bruchko fits the bill nicely on both accounts.
For my part, when I read Bruchko, many things stir in me, but primarily I find two realities at work. 1. I am convicted as I read its pages. I find myself asking, “What are you doing Trenton for the kingdom of God?” Of course, not everyone is called to savage and violent tribes in South America – risking life and limb for the spread of Christ’s fame and the glory of His name. I am however, called to live out the life of Christ wherever I find myself, and in the course of a day to ask myself, “Did I live in such a way that Jesus was made to look good, that people understood more of the wonder and awe of Christ? Did I make the most of every opportunity to give the reason for the hope that I have?” 2. I am encouraged as I read its pages. It is an inspiring story that reminds me that God uses everyday people who are faithful to use the gifts God has given them and who listen to and obey His leading.
Read them/don’t read them… that’s your decision. I would encourage you though; read something of substance this summer. Obviously the Bible is the best place to start. Perhaps read one of the books you haven’t read in a while, or perhaps haven’t understood very well in the past, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight into it. After that, find at least one book that will challenge you spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, culturally, psychologically, etc (you get the picture). And, as a personal favor to me (I used to tell my students something like this when they went to the movies or listened to music)… don’t read just for amusement. The enemy would like nothing better than to find our brains in neutral, not really thinking but just passively accepting. (consider for a moment the word “amuse.” The negative “a” meaning “not” and the root word “muse” meaning “to think or ponder”). I had a teacher that encouraged me to always try to engage myself in whatever it was that I was reading or watching. I guess I have become like him in that regard – make it a point to find at least one thing you can “chew on” and savor. For example, consider the worldview that is being presented, or the theological assumption that undergirds the author’s view on things like human nature, God, sin, or death. (sorry, that’s the teacher coming out in me) Don’t get me wrong. I’m not anti-entertainment. I’m just not for checking one’s brains at the door.
Happy reading.
