4 Important Books
The following is a guest post by a very good friend and mentor of mine, Len Boesger. Len has been speaking into my life not only on a professional level, but more importantly on a spiritual and personal level as well. I asked him to expound on a phrase he shared with me recently on the importance of 4 books. He graciously responded and I’m pleased to share it with you here. As you read it, think about your own personal journey as you seek to serve strong in ministry leadership.
Four books are important in every person’s life: date book, address book, check book and “The Good Book.” Taking a few minutes to think about the role each of these play in a person’s life can be a most worthwhile exercise. In addition, it makes a lot of sense to encourage young people to use these books to bring structure to what can easily become a collection of random experiences. Far too many people live “unexamined” lives because they do not reflect on what shapes their lives. Those who understand they are spiritual beings going through a human experience (as opposed to a human being preparing for a spiritual experience) need to ensure their lives are purposefully shaped. Such people have “examined” lives.
DATE BOOK. Your date book (or calendar) is a guide to how you spend your time and is useful both in a prospective or future sense but also in a retrospective way. Every well organized person I know keeps a calendar to aid their time management and the really well organized people use it to look back and consider if they are using their time wisely.
ADDRESS BOOK. An address book may be simply a collection of friends and acquaintances or it can be a tool to understand with whom we spend our time. Does your address book contain only those who share your values or does it also have people for whom you may be the only “salt.” I will never forget the observation by a pastor that Jesus was the friend of sinners. He associated with them while staying sinless and from all I read, it appears they enjoyed being with Jesus. Even in a state of perfection, Jesus apparently had no “holier-than-thou” aura that would offend.
CHECK BOOK. Your check book can give you a pretty good idea of what is important to you…that is, unless you put everything on a credit card and write one big check to pay that every month. In that case, your credit card statement becomes a proxy for the check book. Like your date book, using your check book retrospectively can pay big dividends as you consider how wisely you apply your financial resources. Too many times we think we “need” something but if we are honest with ourselves we would acknowledge we simply “want” it.
THE GOOD BOOK. I use the term “Good Book” because it fits a sort of alliteration of this model. Most reading this already acknowledge the importance of the Bible in giving direction to our lives and so I am likely preaching to the choir. You understand it is this Book that defines and brings clarity on how we should use the other three. I have found, especially when talking to young people, this model is not easily disputed and that is of great value in such a contentious age.
These are my 4 too… of course, the check book one is more of a debit card thing now.
Jonathan Pearson recently posted..8 on 8′s – A REMINDER
Yeah, Jonathan. And the “good book” is now lifechurch.tv app on my iPod. The address book is my Microsoft Outlook, as is my Date book.
I have a form of all of these above – all are on my iPhone
Love my Bible app! Really handy for church and looking things up 
I live by my calendar and it syncs with my phone too – all my contacts are on there as well.
Cindy Holman recently posted..I’m Drinking ACV
A streamlined use of resources for a deeper walk with Christ. Nice.
I’d like to add one more book, making it 5 Important books …… A Journal! We need this book so we can write down our prayers we have (& answers to prayers), any personal revelations that the Lord gives us, experiences along our journey with Christ, etc.
I love your posts, short and always packed with education & wisdom. Keep up the powerful work you do Scott.
Joey Basta recently posted..Christervention
Thanks Joey. And yes, you’re right on…a journal!
Like Len says in his introduction: “Far too many people live “unexamined” lives because they do not reflect on what shapes their lives.”
A journal can be a great way to reflect.
I’m with the others, I have a version of all these, but they are on an electronic device. The wisdom rings true though! Thank you, Len and Scott.
Jason Stasyszen recently posted..Are You Grabbing Headlines?
How bout 7 Books You’ve Gotta Have?
http://creeksideministries.blogspot.com/2011/09/7-books-youve-gotta-have.html
Linda Stoll recently posted..7 Books You’ve Gotta Have
Great list, Linda. Thanks for putting that together.