#11: Books are written for application, not consumption.
I love to read because I love to grow.
Yet in search of new, improved, or improving ideas one must be care to not simply read to consume, but read for life application. I found myself plowing through books without letting the books plow through me. I use to read a book-a-week, but have dropped it down to a book-a-month.
I now read less, but apply more.
As well, there is an inherent danger in confusing understanding what one has just read to processing and applying what one has just read. Just because I understand Principle X for growing a church, doesn’t mean I have applied Principle X for growing our church. When you read without application you simply come across as arrogant.
I’m totally with you on this. I’m an avid reader. The last book I read, The Bait of Satan, I had to promise my self 1-2 chapters a day and application and reflection each day. What a difference. I too have rationed my reading. More time to think and be still – let God speak to my heart.
Great post…I find myself in the same place…could also be said of blogs as well. There are many great things I read and don’t apply.
Great thought…Jason