Jump Start # 4019
Ecclesiastes 12:12 “But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.”
It was a moment that I knew was coming. I’d been putting it off and even dreading it, but the time was upon me. It was time to part ways with some dear friends. We have been a part of each other’s lives for a long time. I had been friends with some of them longer than I have been married. Boy, the memories and the stories I had with them. We have gone through many deep, deep thoughts together. I had not always agreed with them, nor they with me, but they remained my friends.
But, now it was time to depart. I knew that they’d still be around, but it would never be the same again. There was no falling out between us. No words were said in anger. It was just an understanding that it had to be this way. The time had come for us to part our ways. Even as I write these words, I wish there was another way, but there isn’t.
The friends I am talking about are not people. They are books. My books. My library. I have spent a lifetime amassing a quality library that fills two rooms at the church building and a room in my house. With my coming retirement, I will be converting a bedroom in our new home into an office. There is no way I can squeeze three rooms into one. This library numbers in the thousands. It is time for me to divide up this library and pass it on to others.
What friends my books have been to me. I have collected them from all over the country. Especially dear was my reformation and restoration library. So many rare books. So many wonderful publications from 100 years to nearly 200 years ago. These “friends” have helped me learn so many truths about God’s amazing word. I have stayed up late into the night with these friends, pouring over pages and pages, learning insights and concepts that have helped shape me. The very nature of my writing, especially these Jump Starts, has been the result of being influenced by these friends, my books.
The heart of these books will go to my preaching son in Texas. What a treasure chest he will receive. I’m a little jealous because it has taken me a long time and a lot of money to pull all of this together. Other parts of the library will be given away. Some have suggested that I ought to try to sell these, but I don’t have the time, patience nor heart to do that. I’d rather someone who could benefit from these having them, than they sit in a box in a storage shed if I kept them. They have been such good friends to me.
I will keep a core section of books and some of my favorites from the history section, but never again will these books be all together.
As I look around this wonderful gathering of books that God has helped me collect, there are some thoughts I’d like to share:
First, indeed, do not judge a book by it’s cover. I have bought books just because of the title. Many times, the title was the best part of the book. Don’t ignore a book because it is old. Some of the best writing took place more than a hundred years ago. Understand, all books but God’s book are fallible. They can add color to the pages of the Bible, but one must search to see if those things are true.
Second, books on a shelf may look impressive, but they are only of value if you use them. The younger generation of preachers like things on electronics. There is value to that. It sure doesn’t take the space like all my books do and then when it comes time to part ways with the books, it is not such an emotional and hard task to do. Build your own library at home. What interests you? There are many great books in the line of evidence and science. There are great books that will help to understand the prophets or the parables. My passion has been church history. Tons of books fall under that category. Turn the TV off, grab a good book, not a novel, but something that will further your understanding of God’s way, and do some deep reading and deep thinking. It’ll do you a lot of good. Don’t lose the value of reading. Learn the names of good authors and collect their writings.
Third, because there is so little interests in books these days, one can pick up some great finds for a low cost. Often, older members in the congregation are wanting to downsize and part with some books that they have held on to for years. These can be amazing treasures. Ask your preacher for ideas.
Solomon in our verse today gives a double warning. First to the writing of many books and second to excessive devotion to books. There is truth to that. One must get his nose out of the books once in a while and be around people. Go outside and enjoy God’s creation. But, don’t forget the value of reading, learning and growing.
The imprisoned apostle asked Timothy to bring his books to him (2 Tim 4). Paul, the apostle, was not done learning. There was more he wanted to read. He needed his books. Bring my books.
Thank you, my library. You have been good to me. I hope others will enjoy and benefit from you as I have for these many, many years. I hope you, my books, will continue to help others grow and learn the way of the Lord.
Bring my books…you have been wonderful friends to me.
Roger