In my observations and conversations with young people (even older ones too) nowadays, I see these three areas of problem: comprehension ability, communication skills, and lack of depth. There are also admirable things that I see, but I want to focus on these three to challenge you to read books. I believe reading good books can overcome these problems. Why?
1) Reading Can Strengthen Your Brain. Reading gets your mind working across different areas. For starters, it involves comprehension to process the words you read (this is especially helpful when you read the Scripture because comprehension precedes understanding!). Beyond that, you can use your analytical abilities, stimulate memories, and even broaden your imagination by reading words off a page. Reading is a neurobiological process that works out your brain muscles. As you do so, you can help slow down cognitive decline. Paul was talking about the lack of spiritual comprehension in 1 Corinthians 3:2, but I think it can also be applied to mental comprehension: "I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger." Read!
2) Reading Boosts Communication Skills. Both reading and writing work to improve one’s communication skills. That’s why if you’re looking to become a better writer, a better thinker, and a better communicator, many of the suggestions that you come across will include reading more. Reading can open your eyes, literally and figuratively, to new words, insights, and ideas. I have a friend during Bible study who I sense has something worth saying but can't express it well because he is struggling to find words, phrases, and examples to communicate his points. If only he had the habit of reading books.
3) Reading to Become a Person of Depth. When you read a lot, you undoubtedly learn a lot. The more you read—good books—the more you can make it to the level of being considered a "well-read" or "deep person" (although to be a person of depth requires more than just knowledge). Having a diverse set of knowledge and borrowed experience will make you a more engaging conversationalist and can empower you to speak to more people from different backgrounds and experiences because you can connect based on shared information. Some people may argue that "ignorance is bliss," but the truth is that "knowledge is power" when it is rightly used. As Christ's follower, reading the Bible is indispensable for a deeper life: "For the LORD grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6).
#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ComprehensionAbility #CommunicationSkills #BeAPersonOfDepth #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain
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THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.
