Tusome Sunday: Embracing the Joy and Discipline of Reading

Greetings, friends! I’m thrilled to share some thoughts from a recent sermon I gave at a university on Tusome Sunday, or as I like to call it, “Embracing Literature.”

If there’s any place where reading should be second nature, it’s a university, right? You’re surrounded by books, ideas, and knowledge. But let’s be real—sometimes even the most obvious things need a gentle nudge to remind us of their importance. As Christians, we’re called to engage deeply with the written word, and today, I want to inspire you to read, equip you with practical ways to do it, and maybe even convince you to pick up a book or download a free PDF to kickstart your reading journey. If I can get you to buy a book or two, well, that’s a bonus! I’ve divided this reflection into two parts: An Invitation to Read (the why) and The Application We Need (the how). So, let’s dive in!

An Invitation to Read: Why Should We Read?

Why do people read? At its core, reading serves three main purposes:

To Gain Knowledge – Whether it’s learning Python, earning a degree, or understanding why the crucifixion of Jesus matters (as opposed to, say, Him dying of old age), reading equips us with purpose-driven knowledge. Ever wondered what was written on Jesus’ cross? Matthew says, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS”; Mark, “THE KING OF THE JEWS”; Luke, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS”; and John, “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” A tough question with a straightforward answer, found through reading.
To Improve the Mind – Reading sharpens memory, critical thinking, vocabulary, creativity, and focus. Struggling to memorize Psalm 23? Read it daily, and it’ll stick. Wrestling with the complex imagery of Revelation? That’s a workout for your critical thinking, a skill that serves you in class and when answering tough questions from skeptics.
For Pleasure – Some folks find pure joy in reading. It’s a pastime that sparks imagination and brings delight. Know anyone like that?

As Africans, we come from a rich oral tradition—nothing wrong with that! But as Neil Postman argues in Amusing Ourselves to Death (a must-read I highly recommend), reading demands sustained focus and engagement with complex ideas. Unlike social media or “story za jaba,” reading leaves little room for intellectual laziness. It’s a bridge to the benefits of a written culture, something we can’t afford to miss. As Christians, we’re uniquely tied to literature. The Quran calls us “People of the Book” because God’s highest form of communication with us is through the written word—the Bible. What good is it for a third-year student to read every book but neglect the ultimate literature? Scripture shows us the value of reading:

Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22), equipping him to write the first five books of the Bible.
Kings were commanded to keep and read a copy of the law daily to revere God and follow His decrees (Deut 17:18–20).
God’s people suffered for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6), a warning of the danger of ignorance.
Solomon spoke with wisdom about plants, animals, and more (1 Kings 4:33), showcasing knowledge in action.
Daniel and his friends were given understanding of all kinds of literature (Daniel 1:17), reading widely to serve God effectively.

Historically, Christians have been readers and builders of knowledge. Think of Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday (who educated himself through books he bound as an apprentice, leading to inventions like the electric motor), or institutions like Harvard, Yale, and many schools in Kenya. Reading is part of our heritage, and it’s shaped the world. So, why should you, as a university student, read?

To Feed Your Mind – In a world of endless scrolling and “mind junk,” reading offers nourishing content. Philippians 4:8 urges us to dwell on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy.
To Love God with Your Mind – Reading helps us become better biblical thinkers, fulfilling the command to love God with all our mind (Matt 22:37).
To Understand Redemptive History – Books connect us to God’s work across time, from Augustine’s conversion to missionaries reaching the unreached (Heb 12:1).
To Be Effective in the Church – Knowledge equips us to serve, especially in churches starving for truth (2 Tim 2:15).
To Build Discipline – Reading isn’t easy, but it cultivates a virtue that spills into all of life (Heb 12:11).
To Grow Spiritually – There’s a book for every struggle or question—laziness? Try Proverbs or Alistair Begg’s Crazy Lazy (short enough even for the laziest reader!).
To Understand Human Nature – Reading psychology or philosophy helps us understand why classmates skip prayer meetings but flock to retreats, equipping us to respond wisely.

The Application We Need: How to Become a Reader

We all know we should read, but, as Romans 7:19 reminds us, we often don’t do the good we want to do. Excuses abound:

“I don’t have time.” (Unless you’re truly overwhelmed, this isn’t true.)
“I can’t afford books.” (Not with free eBooks and libraries!)
“I don’t find books interesting.” (Like a kid avoiding vegetables—try it, you’ll grow to love it.)
“I prefer movies.” (Movies are great, but they’re no substitute for deep engagement.)
“Reading is hard.” (So is your degree. So is life.)
“It’s just not my thing.” (The ultimate excuse when you’re out of excuses.)

Reading is critical for your success as a Christian and a student. Knowledge shapes your life—just look at the libraries in expensive homes! So, here are five practical steps to become a reader:

Decide What to Read – Base this on your goals (pleasure, knowledge, spiritual growth). Set a plan—maybe a book or topic per month. There are no non-readers, only slow readers. Read at your pace.
Choose Wisely – Time is limited, so prioritize helpful books. Keep a list, and don’t waste time on fluff. Sometimes, a good book needs a reread to sink in.
Find a Plug – Books can be expensive, but get creative: borrow (with manners), use libraries, download free eBooks, or buy second-hand from places like Bottomline Books.
Find Motivation – Motivation is great, but don’t wait for it. Read with or without it. Try accountability groups, book clubs, reading partners, or “reading dates.” Keep books close, like the kings of old (Deut 17:19).
Kill Distractions – Social media and entertainment can hijack your focus. Clean up your phone, limit apps, and prioritize reading, especially the Bible.

Book Recommendations

I hesitate to prescribe books since everyone’s needs differ, but here are some categories to explore: biographies, missionary stories, theology, discipleship, classics, and fiction. If you’re clueless about where to start, these impacted me as a student:

Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Frank Turek
The Soldier Who Killed Jesus (David Kitz)
The Lost Art of Listening (Michael P Nichols)

Final Thoughts

As 2 Timothy 2:15 urges, “Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Reading isn’t just a task—it’s a way to grow closer to God, sharpen your mind, and serve others effectively. So, let’s embrace our heritage as “People of the Book,” pick up a book, and start reading. Your mind, faith, and future will thank you.