These were among the final words of Paul as he awaited his fate in a Roman prison. Longing to see his young protégé Timothy, he wrote him a letter, urging him to come and visit. Then he made this additional appeal: “When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments” (2 Tim. 4:13).
Here Paul was, about to die, and what does he ask for? His cloak to warm his body, and his books to refresh his mind. Regarding Paul’s request, Spurgeon wrote: “He is inspired, yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, yet he wants books! He has seen the Lord, yet he wants books. He has had a wider experience than most men, yet he wants books! He has been caught up into the third heaven, and has heard things which it is unlawful to utter, yet he wants books! He has written the major part of the New Testament, yet he wants books!”
Books are stones upon which we can sharpen our minds and tools with which we can shape our spirits. No other book can educate your mind and train your heart like the Bible. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Challenge yourself to read the Bible daily, as well as other helpful, biblically-based books such as meaty devotionals, commentaries, Christian periodicals, and the like. Cultivate a love for other books, too, such as biographies of great men and women throughout history (both inside and outside the church), classic novels, short stories, and other great works of literature. Feed your mind with the wonders of science and the world of mathematics.
God has blessed each of us with the ability to reason, meditate and learn. Use that ability to be all that you can be for God’s glory. After all, you are to love the Lord your God with all your mind (Matt. 22:37). But also remember that a great mind is of no worth if it is not accompanied by a loving heart. All knowledge plus no love equals nothing in God’s eyes. So use the knowledge you glean from God’s Word and other books to be a blessing to others and to build them up. As you do, you will find that God will return those blessings to you (Prov. 11:25b).