Time is precious. In this fast-paced digital world, why make time for the ancient practice of reading when you can have information beamed into your brain through videos? Why switch off Facebook and its constant flow of funny clips and invest time and energy focusing your attention on something as antique as a book?
I asked exactly that question to Rachel Gardner. Rachel is an activist and an adoptive mum to a young daughter. She is in demand as a speaker around the country as well as being Relationships Lead at Youthscape, a national charity seeking to find innovative ways to engage with the gospel. On top of all that she is President of the Girls' Brigade England and Wales. I have known Rachel for many years and I wondered why she makes time to read. I was not ready for the answer she gave me:
I read because I'm hungry.
I read because I long to hear the words of God rolling around my mind when I go to bed at night.
I read because I want to know more about the world that God's placed me in and the call of God on my life.
I read because I want to know more about God's heart for things.
I read because I love the fact there are men and women who have spent days and weeks and months pouring their hearts into these words and wrestling with big issues.
I read because I want to grow in character and communication.
And I read because actually I just love it.
What an inspirational response! Rachel's sentiments echo why Books for Life was started in the first place. We want to inspire a new generation of readers who will invest time and energy to understand their faith in these fast-changing times.
Watch the rest of the Books for Life episodes here. Why not share them in your church or on your church's website or social media channels to inspire your congregation to develop a greater hunger for God, confidence in the gospel and passion for service?
Dr Krish Kandiah is a theologian, author and the founding director of Home for Good. Follow him on Twitter @krishk.
Watch the rest of the Books for Life episodes here. Why not share them in your church or on your church's website or social media channels to inspire your congregation to develop a greater hunger for God, confidence in the gospel and passion for service?
Dr Krish Kandiah is a theologian, author and the founding director of Home for Good. Follow him on Twitter @krishk.
