Joseph Addison contends, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”

For me, reading has become a crucial life discipline—one that sharpens the mind and nourishes the soul. Each year, I intentionally select a variety of books—fiction and nonfiction—to complement my study of Scripture, theology, and devotional literature. This habit has not only deepened my understanding but has also kept my mind engaged, my creativity alive, and my spirit refreshed.

Reading brings mental focus in an age of distraction. We live in an era of constant digital stimulation. With screens at our fingertips, it’s easy to settle for passive entertainment—whether through television, social media, or endless scrolling. But merely watching does not stretch or challenge the great mental muscle that God has given us. Reading, on the other hand, requires active engagement. It forces us to think, process, reflect, and imagine in ways that visual media rarely can.

In Luke 10:27, Jesus commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. To love God with our minds means keeping them sharp, alert, and active—not allowing them to grow dull through neglect.

An inquiring mind needs nourishment. I have noticed a direct correlation between my reading habits and my mental sharpness. During seasons when my schedule interrupts my regular reading routine, I can feel my mind becoming “hungry”—undernourished and sluggish. When I neglect reading, my memory weakens, my creativity fades, and my ability to think deeply diminishes. But when I prioritize time for study and reading, I find that my mind is sharper, my memory is stronger, and my ability to teach and preach is far more effective.

Acquiring a love for reading can be a journey. I wasn’t always a disciplined reader. In high school, working an after-school job left me with little time for required reading, so I often relied on summaries rather than diving into the books themselves. It wasn’t until midway through my university years that I truly discovered the joy of reading. An English professor encouraged me to read multiple books at once, engaging with them as if I were in conversation with different voices and perspectives. This approach transformed my reading habits, and to this day, I often find myself reading several books alternately until I’ve completed them.

For me, reading is a spiritual discipline. For those aiming to grow deeper in their faith, reading should be considered more than just a pastime—it should be recognized as a spiritual discipline. Alongside prayer, Bible study, meditation, worship, and stewardship, reading enriches the soul by expanding our understanding of God’s world and the people in it.

Engaging with a wide variety of genres—novels, biographies, history, poetry, and theological works—broadens our perspective, deepens our wisdom, and helps us see the world through different lenses. Reading cultivates empathy, insight, and a greater appreciation for the richness of God’s creation.

Reading contributes to a healthy life. Several key disciplines contribute to my physical, spiritual, and emotional health:

• My prayer and devotional life
• A balanced diet and regular exercise
• Meaningful time spent with friends and family
• And, just as important—the ongoing discipline of reading

Reading is not just an academic exercise—it is a lifelong habit that strengthens the mind and enriches the soul. It feeds our intellect, fuels our imagination, and fortifies our faith.

I concur with Holbrook Jackson who reminds us, “ Never put off till tomorrow the book you can read today.”

(Barry Howard is a retired pastor who now serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)