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Put Reading on Your ‘To-Do’ List

Everyone is busy. We have things to do and things that come up. Pastors, in particular are given to tending to emergencies or at least ‘unexpected’ items.

As a result of ever-expanding to do lists, unexpected items, and various and sundry ‘other’ stuff, I find myself often reshuffling my daily tasks. One of the regular items that gets put on the bench is daily reading. This reading is related to theological development. It is a book or books that is not connected to current studies. In other words, it is reading that I have picked in order to grow in a certain area or because I am just intrigued.

I usually try to allocate about an hour per day to this discipline. I am convinced that I have to work to continue to run ahead if I am going to lead effectively. Therefore, disciplined and intentional reading is a must.

But then so is taking care of the next issue or to do item. So, what gives?

BE FLEXIBLE, BUT BE DISCIPLINED
I have been reminded recently by a dear friend that I don’t have to read for 1 hour. Maybe only take 15-20 minutes, but by all means, keep up with the discipline even when things get tight.

I gave one of those hearty and intensely spiritual, “Ummm” after that.

IT PAYS OFF
The point was made this past Sunday as I was preaching. I noticed that there was something missing in my introduction. I felt like I needed to define the concept of glory. I have done this before but felt like I needed to reset it. Over the past few weeks I have been reading through Crossway’s recent publication The Glory of God. In it one author helpfully talks about glory as weighty, valuable, and beautiful. Because I had read that chapter a couple of weeks ago the quick hitting definition and corresponding Scriptural references were on the front burner. This was incredibly helpful as it was not in my notes and not planned on prior to that moment.

This is a situation where disciplined and intentional reading gives you freedom, confidence and depth. I saw it pay off in a tangible way. This is just one example, there are many others.

If you are a pastor or one who teaches the Bible or anyone who aims to make biblical truth clear, make it a priority, even amid a busy schedule, to read with thoughtful discipline. It will help you help others.

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