Open-Minded
I've spent the better part of the last two days reading. Amazing the way a new book makes my synapses fire in new ways. Just thought I'd share one of my favorite quotes. Oliver Wendel Holmes said, "A mind stretched by a new idea never returns to its original shape." Cool thought isn't it?
Proverbs 18:15 is one of my life verses. It says, "Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." (NLT) I never want to become a closed system. I want to stay open-minded. And one of the best ways to look for new ideas is by reading widely. You need to cross-pollinate. My bookshelves are filled with books on everything to theology to psychology to neurology to physics. Why? Because I honestly believe that every ology is a branch of theology. And when I study other disciplines I discover new dimensions of God's kaleidoscopic personality. According to Romans 1:21, creation is one way the creator reveals His character.
All I know is this: leaders are readers and readers are leaders!
I know what you're thinking. I don't have time to read. Me neither! But did you know that Teddy Roosevelt read one to two books a day while serving as President. That has always inspired me!
I'm convinced that all of us could read at least one book a month if you simply put a book in the bathroom. And some of you have more potential than that if you know what I'm saying!
Proverbs 18:15 is one of my life verses. It says, "Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." (NLT) I never want to become a closed system. I want to stay open-minded. And one of the best ways to look for new ideas is by reading widely. You need to cross-pollinate. My bookshelves are filled with books on everything to theology to psychology to neurology to physics. Why? Because I honestly believe that every ology is a branch of theology. And when I study other disciplines I discover new dimensions of God's kaleidoscopic personality. According to Romans 1:21, creation is one way the creator reveals His character.
All I know is this: leaders are readers and readers are leaders!
I know what you're thinking. I don't have time to read. Me neither! But did you know that Teddy Roosevelt read one to two books a day while serving as President. That has always inspired me!
I'm convinced that all of us could read at least one book a month if you simply put a book in the bathroom. And some of you have more potential than that if you know what I'm saying!
6 Comments:
Pastor Mark,
Already this morning I played a April fool's joke on a friend. What I did was shaard with the friend the Pomp and Circumstanc March unexpectedly and out of context. We both had a very good laugh.
My new years resolution was to read more books, and read more 'non-christian' books, i was aiming for 4 a month, January saw 4, Feb saw 3 n half, March has seen 1 and half, need to get it back up to at least 3 in April
Great word Mark. Something that has motivated my reading is to ask people I respect the top 10 books that have impacted their lives and why. Then I prayerfully plan my reading list for the year. Of course I add to the list when I hear about other books. When I was on staff at Skyline we made it a priority to discuss books we were reading.
PM,
Thanks for reminding us that we can all make time for anything, if we just make time.
Personally I read anywhere from 3-5 books a week. I've found the more I read, the more I accomplish.
Terry
I firmly agree that leaders are readers and readers are leaders! This has been a mainstay principle in my ministry for almost 20 years. I attempt to read consistently in the following areas. 1. Bible Knowledge: I want to constantly read the Bible and books that help open the Word to my heart and mind. 2. Leadership Development: I try to keep myself fresh as a leader by reading books about leadership by both Christian and business authors. 3. Church Growth/Culture: I try to read as much as I can about what God is doing in other Churches and understanding culture.
Great Post!
I love the way you challenge and inspire me to grow.
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