I started cultivating a reading culture since my early teen years. These days, when I see someone holding or reading a book that I had read 15 – 20 years ago, I just say within myself, “I’m 15 years ahead of this person!” That is true about studying; it puts you ahead of your peers.
Friend, reading places you ahead of your contemporaries. Since this is largely a lazy generation, just a little commitment to studying would make you look like a genius. A commitment to a studious life is the gateway to fellowshipping with the great (Proverbs 13:20). It helps you to rub minds with the those ahead of you.
Have a study plan. Don’t just assume you would finished the whole Bible this year without a definite plan (Proverbs 29:18). Don’t just say, “I want to be committed to studying this year” without a definite plan. How many books do you want to read this year? What kind of books and which authors? Reading becomes easier when you have a plan; daily.
Don’t just read as led or when you feel like; have a plan. Just the way you have plan for eating because you consider it important, also consider reading important and have a solid plan for it. Put laws on yourself; “I would not sleep until I have read a number of chapters…, I would not take my breakfast or dinner until I had read three chapters of the Bible etc.”
Have study groups; people that can challenge you to read. That was how some of us grew up; we were exchanging books and challenging ourselves with them. Do you have such company? Remember that, your association determines your destination. Stop hanging out with mediocres and gossips (Psalms 1:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:33).
When the anointing of the Spirit rests on an educated mind, the result can only be imagined. Like a renowned man of God once said, “God will blow through a Ram’s horn but when He sees a Silver Trumpet, He has enough sense to go with the Silver Trumpet”. Make up your mind to be that Silver Trumpet; make it easier for God to use you. Be committed to a studious life. You will succeed!
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria
