In our media driven age, intentional reading has become obsolete for many. Media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X and YouTube are battling for our attention every minute of the day. While there are definitely good things that can happen through our social media connections, they have also contributed to shrinking attention spans among us. Studies have shown that the average person has an attention span of about 47 seconds and 54% of U.S. adults read below the equivalent of a 6th grade reading level. This is alarming and has led to many of us becoming non-readers.  

As Christians, WHAT we read and IF we read is very important. We should obviously read Scripture on a regular basis but why should we read other books, and what kind of books should we read?  

To Understand and Apply the Bible Better
If we supplement our Bible reading with other books, our understanding of Scripture and how to apply it to our lives will deepen. Reading commentaries and other theological books will better help us to understand what the text meant in its original language and to whom and why it was written. We might read other books to learn how a passage was understood at other points in church history. To better apply Scripture, we need to have an understanding of the times and places in which we live which we gain by reading about news, sociology, economics, fiction and non-fiction.  

It's beneficial to read a wide range of books by different authors as a way to practice spiritual discernment and Christian thinking. If we read only our favorite books by our favorite authors, then we will only grow so far and in a limited number of directions. To read widely is to engage with people who think differently and who approach similar issues from different perspectives and experiences. In doing so, we will be challenged to be more discerning of spiritual matters.

To Understand People Better
Reading non-Christian books will help us to understand the people that we interact with on a daily basis - why they are the way they are, what influences them, why they make the decisions they do. This will help us to identify with them and empathize with them as we try to reach them with the Gospel.

To Have More and Better Gospel Opportunities
As you read, especially in public, you will have more opportunities and will be better equipped to engage in Gospel opportunities. How many times have we wanted to talk to friends and co-workers about the movie or tv show that we saw over the weekend?  Those conversations can be about the book that you read over the weekend that opened your eyes to the meekness and humility of Christ rather than who got voted out on Survivor.

When people see you reading, a natural reaction is to ask what you’re reading, insert Gospel conversation.  For instance, last week I was at a doctor’s appointment, and I was reading a book while waiting.  The doctor asked me what I was reading and I was able to share with her some that one of the main differences between us and the Catholic Church is salvation by grace and faith alone.  My point is, reading opens doors to Gospel opportunities.

How Do I Get Started
Start small. One day I brought home a very hefty book, over 1,000 pages long, and laid it on the counter and my wife asked in shock, “Are you really going to try to read that whole thing?”  No, I was only using one chapter for research on a chapel message but the point is there, don’t bite off more than you can chew.  If you haven’t read a book in some time, start with something attainable, choose something that’s easy-to-read and try to read 1-3 chapters a week. January’s book of the month, Gentle and Lowly, is a great example.  

A lot of people’s reason that they don’t read is a lack of time.  For that I’d like to give a few suggestions to get started:  

During work breaks.  Try to read one chapter on lunch break rather than scrolling through social media or watching silly videos on YouTube for 15 minutes.  

While waiting for appointments. We’ve all experienced it, sitting, waiting patiently until 1:30 for our 12:30 appointment; instead of playing Candy Crush, take a book with you.  

For the morning person, you can take in a few pages each morning while enjoying your coffee.

For the night owl, after the kids go to bed, enjoy that time of peace and quiet with a chapter or two.

In 2025, we are encouraging the people of Fellowship to be readers of more than just the Bible.  We’ll have a book of the month that we’ll be promoting and making available each month.  Take on the challenge to be a reader in 2025, it’ll only help you in your spiritual walk.