I did not plan to switch on the generator early that evening, but I saw the way my daughter sat quiet on the couch reading one of her literatures. She was using the rechargeable lamp. I was moved. Then I remembered how I started committing myself to study from my early teen years, only that hers is now much earlier. I had to go switch on the generator as I cheered her on. You need to study to show yourself approved.
Friend, you need to study to show yourself approved. 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. Commitment to a studious life is the gateway to fellowshipping with the great (Proverbs 13:20). It helps you to rub minds with those who have gone ahead of you.
How do I commit to studying, someone might ask? Have a study plan. Don’t just assume you would finish the whole Bible this year without a 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 daily plan.
Don’t just read as led or when you feel like. Have a plan. Just the way you have a plan for eating because you consider it important, also consider reading important and have a solid plan for it. Put laws on yourself (Galatians 3:24). Laws like; “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 a group; people that can challenge you to read (Acts 4:23). That was how some of us grew up. We exchanged books and challenged ourselves with them. Do you have such a company? Remember that your association determines your destination. Stop hanging out with mediocres and gossips (Psalms 1:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:33).
Studying makes you relevant to God and your generation (Daniel 9:2). When the anointing of the Holy Spirit rests on an educated mind, the results would be great (2 Peter 3:16). Like someone rightly put it; “God will blow through a ram’s horn, but when He sees a silver trumpet, He would drop the ram’s horn for the silver trumpet.” Make up your mind to be the silver trumpet. Make it easier for God to use you (2 Timothy 2:15). You will succeed!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria