The Lost Art of Reading and How to Reclaim it.

"Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." – 1 Timothy 4:13

In an age of constant digital distractions, the discipline of reading is being lost. Scrolling has replaced study, soundbites have replaced substance, and busyness has replaced depth. Yet, as Christians, we are called to be people of the Word—both the Word of God and words that shape our minds and hearts for His glory. If you have struggled to develop a reading habit, here’s why you must reclaim it—and how to begin.

Why Reading Matters

1. Reading Shapes Our Thinking

Romans 12:2 exhorts us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. But how does our mind renew if we do not feed it with truth? Reading stretches our thinking, exposes us to new perspectives, and teaches us discernment. A well-read Christian is less likely to be swayed by false teaching (Ephesians 4:14).

2. Reading Strengthens Our Faith

Christianity is a faith rooted in words. God chose to reveal Himself in a book. He could have written the Gospel in the stars, but instead, He gave us a written revelation—the Bible. A Christian who neglects reading will find his faith shallow, his convictions weak, and his understanding of God limited.

3. Reading Equips Us for Service

Paul tells Timothy: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

Reading is not just for personal enrichment; it equips us to serve others, to defend our faith, and to disciple those younger in the faith. Whether we are teaching, counselling, or evangelising, our effectiveness is tied to how well we know the truth.

The Benefits of Cultivating a Reading Habit

📖 Deepens Your Biblical Knowledge

Regular reading—especially of Scripture—helps us develop a biblical worldview, enabling us to see the world as God does.

🧠 Sharpens Your Mind

Studies show that reading strengthens memory, improves focus, and slows cognitive decline. Reading deep and difficult books trains us to think critically and reason well.

🏹 Equips You for Life’s Challenges

Books expose us to the experiences of others, helping us navigate suffering, temptation, leadership, relationships, and spiritual growth. A book read in one season of life might prepare us for the next.

🤝 Increases Your Influence

Great Christian leaders—from Augustine to Luther, from Spurgeon to C.S. Lewis—were all avid readers. If you want to be an influence in God’s kingdom, become a person of deep learning.

More Facts on the Benefits of Reading

1. Mental Stimulation & Cognitive Growth

   • Reading reduces the risk of cognitive decline by up to 32% in old age (Neurology Journal, 2013).

   • Regular reading strengthens neural pathways, improving memory and comprehension.

2. Empathy & Emotional Intelligence

   • Studies show that reading fiction enhances empathy by helping readers understand different perspectives (Science Journal, 2013).

   • It improves social cognition, making people more understanding in real-life interactions.

3. Stress Reduction & Mental Health

   • Just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by 68%, more than listening to music or drinking tea (University of Sussex, 2009).

   • Reading before bed improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety.

4. Vocabulary & Communication Skills

   • Reading exposes individuals to 50% more words than daily conversations or TV.

   • Frequent readers have a higher verbal IQ and improved writing skills.

5. Academic & Career Success

   • People who read regularly tend to perform better in school and career fields requiring critical thinking.

   • A study found that CEOs of Fortune 500 companies read an average of 50 books a year.

6. Personal Growth & Decision Making

   • Books introduce new ideas, helping readers make better life decisions.

   • Reading biographies and history prevents repeating past mistakes.

The Christian’s Responsibility to Read

Reading is not just a luxury; it is a stewardship.

• If God has given us minds, He expects us to fill them with wisdom.

• If we have access to truth, we must not remain ignorant.

• If we have been given great books, we should not let them gather dust.

Don’t wait for “free time” to read—it won’t come. Build it into your daily routine.

3 Books to Begin Your Reading Journey

If you are new to reading, start with short and engaging books that will build your confidence. Here are three excellent books to help you develop a reading habit:

1. "The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness" – Timothy Keller (48 pages)

A short but powerful book on finding true self-worth in Christ rather than in achievements or opinions.

2. "Peace with God" – Billy Graham (128 pages)

A clear and compelling guide to finding true peace through Jesus Christ, written by one of the greatest evangelists of the 20th century.

3. "The Mark of the Christian" – Francis Schaeffer (64 pages) 

A powerful call for Christians to be known by their love, showing how unity and grace are essential marks of true faith.

Happy Reading.

Ed.

Video from our Online Study Forum on Cultivating the Habit of Reading.