Why I Read
I was reflecting recently about the time I have been devoting to reading. For many, it is like any recreation, in that it's time we exchange from our life to enjoy any hobby or discipline. Yet while there is nothing inherently wrong with reading purely for recreation, I personally spend a majority of my reading (even outside Scripture) in non-fiction, mostly Christian theological works. I was pondering the cost-benefit analysis, and really trying to imagine if all that time was worth it. I felt it was, but I was trying to put it into words. For me, my hope is not head knowledge, it's heart change; specifically to be made more into the image of Christ. Even though as I think past the books I have read, I honestly have only gleaned a little from each one. Sure, some more than others, but outside the Bible, it's simply gleaning for a few grapes to add to my basket. Yet that's OK, and it reminds me of a John Piper quote: "Books don't change people; paragraphs do.
