Since elementary school I have loved to read and study
history, especially biographies of famous people. Understanding the
circumstances in which they lived and the events that formed their life, and
how they became an individual that someone would want to write about is amazing
to me.
I have especially enjoyed reading the biographies of some of
the great spiritual leaders of the past. The encouragement to me to remain
faithful despite the challenges I face, how they were able to remain true to
the word of God despite the possibility of being exiled or even killed, and how
their personal relationship with Christ has changed history.
I need an understanding that these individuals have coped
with all the same struggles that I face today, and some of their struggles make
mine look like a cake walk. The challenge in reading a great biography is
realizing that it is about learning from the past, applying it to the present,
and seeking to remember it in the future. These men and women of the past did
not start out wanting to be famous, they simply wanted to survive in a world that
was in turmoil just like it is today.
The reason I gravitate towards Christian biographies is simple, to
strength my faith through their testimony.
As a pastor, minister, college professor, men’s minister
leader, and Sunday school teacher I have found reading biographies have
provided me some of my greatest illustrations. It allows me to remain fresh in
my preaching and teaching, and add some clear insight into the word of God by
showing people that they are not the only ones living for Christ.
Pastors/friends I would like to challenge you read a
biography, better yet not one, but let’s make it a real challenge. How about
reading 12 biographies this coming year (one a month), and lets see if our
preaching, teaching, and witnessing is not enhanced.
