July Jottings...

In my office at church, I am slowly filling the bookshelves with books. Even though I am shifting some of them from my office in my home, you wouldn’t know it. The four bookshelves in my home office still look very full of books. I have a total of six bookshelves in my home, most of them filled with books, although some shelves have decorations or office supplies. I like books. I like the feel and the weight. I would much rather read a paper and ink book than one online or on a tablet. When it comes time to move, though, the electronic version is much preferred!

I keep books because I reference them or am hoping to read them. Some I even think I will reread some day. I am cutting down on the books I buy. Theological reference books do work better on the computer for searching and comparing I must admit. General Christian living books or theology books that I don’t think I will need as reference in the future I am trying to get from local libraries - either public or from the libraries connected to seminaries in Charlotte. I used to think my books would be a nice legacy to pass on to my kids. The sad reality is that once I am gone there are few they will keep. Some of my books might be sold but many I expect to be given to Goodwill.

I don’t share all this to try to impress you. Maybe you appreciate books as much as I do. Maybe you don’t. No matter our attachment to books, it is one book that is central. John Wesley said it this way:

God himself has condescended to teach the way: for this very end he came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book. O give me that book! At any price give me the Book of God! I have it. Here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be homo unius libri [a man of one book].” Of course Wesley read other books and encouraged the Methodist preachers to do the same. What he is saying here is that the Bible is the book we need to read first and foremost.

If you are not accustomed to reading the Bible set aside 10-20 minutes in the morning if possible or at night if needed. Start off praying to God to help you understand. The Gospels of Mark and Luke are good places to start as is the Book of Acts. If you need help, we have the devotional guide, “Our Daily Bread” available in the church foyer.

So reading and studying the Bible is primary. Reading other books is good, but we all need to heed the guidelines given in the Methodist Discipline of 1784:

"Gaining knowledge is a good thing; but saving souls is better . . . . If you can do but one, let your studies alone. We would throw by all the libraries in the world, rather than be guilty of the loss of one soul."

- Pastor Brian