Deeper - Intermission

Since we are at the midpoint of our series on Deeper, I thought that we’d do a little something different this week. I read an interesting article called The Grace of Good Books which is about how C.S. Lewis viewed the value and pleasure of reading. Given that this series is basically a summary of a really good book, this seems like a very appropriate time to address this subject.

“We read to know we are not alone.” This was a quote from the movie Dead Poets Society back from the late 80’s. I’ve always remembered those words from the first time I heard them. While they were spoken in a secular context, I believe the quote has very solid spiritual application to it. There is a comfort, and even a sense of community, that comes with reading. Through it, we find that others deal with the same questions and issues that we do.

Books are like meals. You enjoy some, but not all. Some are life-changing - like Rosie’s :-). Books strike people in different ways partly due to the content but also because of the timing in which we are reading it. Different messages are needed in different seasons. Deeper has been a book that I needed in this season of life.

“But in reading great literature I become a thousand men and yet remain myself… I see with a myriad of eyes, but it is still I who see. C. S. Lewis

Few people have the gift of writing illustrative and penetrating words like these. Books provide the means for us to be able to enjoy the words of the gifted. God gave us His words through Scripture but He has also divinely gifted those who can illuminate spiritual truths to help us in our faith journey. Books help us understand theology, culture and the thoughts of others who may come from a completely different background and perspective. Reading helps us understand ourselves.

Books can entertain, inspire and challenge us in ways that aren’t experienced anywhere else. The discipline of reading has a lifetime of benefits waiting for those that make the commitment to be a continuous learner through the written word. What are you reading right now? Don’t miss out on the nourishment that comes from the meals provided by a good book.

Stay Hungry,

Big E

Matt 5:6