How to Choose What to Read in 2023: A Guide for Christian Growth

How to Choose What to Read in 2023

As the new year begins, it is essential to plan on what you will read in the coming months. Reading is not only about acquiring knowledge and information, but it is also a way to grow in your faith and relationship with God. However, with the numerous books, articles, and social media posts available, it can be challenging to choose what to read.

Without a strategic plan on what to read, you may end up spending time on things that add no value to your life or worse, distract you from your purpose. Therefore, in this article, we will explore how to choose what to read in 2023, why it is important, and how reading can help you grow in your faith.

Why Choosing What to Read is Important

Choosing what to read is critical because it determines the kind of information and knowledge you acquire. Reading is not just about the quantity of information but the quality. It is better to read a few good books than to read numerous books that add no value to your life.

Moreover, what you read affects your thought process, beliefs, and worldview. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Therefore, it is essential to choose what to read carefully, so that it aligns with God's will and helps you grow in your faith.

How Reading Can Help You Grow in Your Faith

Reading is a way to nourish your soul and grow in your faith. Through reading, you can learn more about God's character, His promises, and His plan for your life. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Reading Christian books, articles, and devotionals can help you understand and apply God's word in your life. It can also inspire and encourage you in your walk with God. Proverbs 4:20-22 says, "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body."

Therefore, reading can help you renew your mind, transform your thinking, and deepen your understanding of God's word. It can also help you apply biblical principles in your daily life and grow in your faith.

How to Choose What to Read in 2023

Choosing what to read in 2023 requires a strategic plan. Here are some tips to help you choose what to read:

1. Set Reading Goals

Setting reading goals can help you be intentional about what you read. It will also help you track your progress and motivate you to read more. Your reading goals should be realistic and achievable. You can set goals based on the number of books you want to read, the topics you want to explore, or the authors you want to discover.

2. Prioritize Your Reading List

After setting your reading goals, prioritize your reading list. Identify the books or articles that are most relevant to your goals and start with those. You can also prioritize books based on their significance or impact on your life. For example, you may want to read books that address your spiritual growth, marriage, parenting, or career.

3. Choose Books that Align with Your Values

When choosing what to read, it is essential to consider your values. As a Christian, you need to read books that align with biblical principles. You should avoid books that promote values that contradict the Bible. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

4. Seek Recommendations

Seeking recommendations from trusted sources can help you discover new authors, genres, or topics. You can ask your pastor, friends, or family members for recommendations. You can also read reviews on Christian book websites or join book clubs to get recommendations.

5. Read Widely

Reading widely can help you broaden your perspective and understanding of different topics. You can read books on theology, Christian living, biography, history, or fiction. Reading widely can also help you appreciate different writing styles and genres.

6. Read with Discernment

Reading with discernment means being critical of what you read. You need to evaluate what you read and compare it with biblical principles. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 says, "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the content of what you read and discern if it aligns with God's word.

7. Make Time for Reading

Reading requires time and discipline. Therefore, you need to allocate time for reading in your daily or weekly schedule. You can set aside a specific time of the day or week for reading. You can also use your commute time or lunch breaks to read.

In Conclusion

Choosing what to read in 2023 requires a strategic plan. It is essential to set reading goals, prioritize your reading list, choose books that align with your values, seek recommendations, read widely, read with discernment, and make time for reading. Reading is not only about acquiring knowledge and information, but it is also a way to grow in your faith and relationship with God. Therefore, as you plan for the new year, prioritize what you will read, and let it be a way to deepen your understanding of God's word and grow in your faith.