Read Any Good Books Lately?

January, 2007

by: Tim Carns

A reference librarian at the Library of Congress was once asked: “If there are 18 million books in the Library of Congress, how many books are there in the world?” She was unable to answer. Some have estimated that there are at least 1500 books published daily. The amazing thing is, it was no different nearly 3000 years ago as seen in Solomon’s statement: “The writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body” (Eccl 12:12). Having just gone through three years of seminary I can identify with how an excessive study of books can wear one down! Yet, Solomon isn’t saying one should not read at all—in fact, he used writing to make the point! Obviously, he expected someone to be reading what he said. The Bible itself is a written document which God expects us to read and meditate upon daily (Ps 1:2). The issue really is what a person chooses to read among the many books available apart from the Word of God.

Solomon went on to say, “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Eccl 12:13). A good criteria for evaluating what we invest significant time reading is, “Does this writing encourage and push me to fear God and keep His commandments?” What do you spend your time reading? Are you reading anything beyond your Bible which has helped move you closer to the Lord? Don Whitney noted a study in his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, that showed college graduates read on average less than one ‘serious’ book in a year. That same study indicated that 45% of Americans say they never read a book. While many books deserve not to be read there are several that can be beneficial in pointing one to the Lord and how the truths of His Word can be lived out.

As we come upon the new year, I want to encourage you to make a commitment to read at least ten good books this year that will minister to your soul and draw you closer to the Lord. While there have been many books that God has used to encourage me in my walk, I want to give you my “top ten.” These have been the most influential in deepening my passion for God and desire to obey Him. They represent various authors from different times in history. Some are pretty meaty while others can be read in one sitting. I humbly offer them to you as a starting point if you know that you need to be reading but aren’t sure where to start.

• Holiness (J. C. Ryle)
• The Ultimate Priority (John MacArthur)
• The Existence and Attributes of God (Stephen Charnock)
• The Pursuit of Holiness (Jerry Bridges)
• Knowing God (J. I. Packer)
• Religious Affections (Jonathan Edwards)
• The Almost Christian Discovered (Matthew Mead)
• Desiring God (John Piper)
• The Sovereignty of God (A. W. Pink)
• Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands (Paul Tripp)
• The Knowledge of the Holy (A. W. Tozer)
• The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character (Gardiner Spring)

Some of you may have noticed I listed 12 books here instead of 10. Okay, so I cheated a little. Actually, the last two books are not very long with each chapter running only a few pages. However, they have caused me more personal reflection than any other two books that I have read and will serve as good material for you to read during your devotions. May the Lord bless your desire to know Him as you read.