The Importance Of Reading

In an earlier blog of January 11, 2012,  I referenced the value of books as a great source for discovering seeds for success.  The importance and benefit of reading good books cannot be overstated.  But as in most cases, it is not the knowing of something that is critical - it is the doing - following through with the knowledge one has learned.  Books must be read if they are to become profitable to a person.  Take the Bible, for example.  It is by far the best-selling book of all times and continues to be so year after year.  At the same time, a great number of people never get around to reading it.  Its value to these people, therefore, is lost because the contents remain unknown to them.

The vast majority of books published are not worth reading.  So, at the outset of your pursuit to read, it is critical to be selective in what you choose to read.  The following tips will assist you as you begin the process of examining a particular book.

• First, learn about the author.  Examine the back cover or the inside flap of the book (if it's a hardback book) for this information.  If you decide this is someone from whom you would be open to learning, are they qualified to write on the subject you are considering reading?  

• The next step is to review the Table of Contents.  This information will provide you with a basic idea of the fundamental elements contained in the book.  

• Chapter titles can also be helpful in providing an overview of the book.

• Scan the preface of the book.  Often the author will provide a summary of the book and what he hopes you will learn from it.

• Be sure the book is written in a clear and readable fashion.  If you are not a regular reader, start with books that are short and simple to grasp.  

• Practice making a book your own.  Mark in it, underlining key sentences.  Makes notes on things that impress you and review those notes from time to time later on.

To get you started let me recommend my book 'Basics For Believers.'  It has 52 short (2-3 pages) sections, is easy to read and provides sound biblical directions on each of these subjects, as well as recommendation of a corresponding book.