Do I Have Too Many Books?

In my library at church, I have 2,292 books. I think I have read over 2,000 of them. And I wish I could remember everything I have read.

That’s the humbling reality of reading about 2 books a week. In most cases, I get the gist of what I am reading, but I am certainly not ready to give you a chapter-by-chapter synopsis of each book.

Thankfully, I decided many years ago to make lists of places in these books where I have found good explanations of Scriptures. I have compiled lists of topics in books.

Thus, I have an extensive database that will inform me of where I can do if I were ever to want to prepare sermons on the subject of racism in America (coming in 2021, by the way) or a systematic theology of how a Christian should think about government (also coming, Lord willing, in 2021).

I share all this NOT to brag but to simply state that I read to equip my own heart for the here, the now and the future. I don’t ever want to waste my reading. I do not want books to become simply decorations on shelves. I want my books to matter for me and for others.

I would part with Martin Luther who suggested that a great number of books is a great evil. That certainly could be the case if they aren’t used, aren’t studied, aren’t considered, etc.

I am more inclined to agree with Charles Spurgeon who said, “What must ministries become if their pastors minds are starved? It is not a duty to relive the famine which is raging in many a manse? Is it not a prudential measure, worthy of attention of all who wish to see the masses influenced by religion, that the preachers who occupy our pulpits should be kept well furnished with material for thought?”

Do I have too many books? I don’t think so; I am just getting started.

In the words of Paul, bring me more books! (II Timothy 4:13)