Truth is, we can't learn all the knowledge that the world has to offer. Just step into a library or a bookstore and one can sigh, "Too many books, too little time." Since this is the case, it is important to understand that we ought to learn things that is in line with our personal calling and mission. Yet, few even bother to realize the importance of their own vocation that will help realize one's mission. Our vocation comes in three-fold: our calling as Baptized Christians; then our vocation whether single-blessed, holy orders, religious, and marriage; then what we are called to do in that state of life whether engineer, doctor, lawyer, employee, businessman, teacher, administrator, volunteer worker, etc. So, how do we proceed to choose what we ought to learn with the few years we have on earth?
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1. Choose books that will help you become excellent in your field. This is quite obvious, but often we settle for "cheap knowledge". Invest in the books that matter, even if expensive at times. At the end of the day, you don't want to accumulate books that you "trust less."
2. Take delight in your daily reading time. I spend 30-45 minutes to read in the morning before work and about 30-45 minutes before I sleep -- and I enjoy it! Reading is not punishment, it is pleasurable and enlightening. Oh okay, many won't agree with me, especially those who say, "Reading isn't just for me." You may try to read the books you really like, then advance to the "hard core" books. Often, it takes a certain foundation building to appreciate the more difficult ones.
3. Remember that your knowledge ought to help spread the Gospel. As you strive for excellence in respective fields, you become a good model and a credible witness. Always permeate the Gospel in your decisions, in your dealings, in your relationships, and especially in your attitude. The Gospel is compatible with any field, even in Science and Technology; since all knowledge and wisdom come from God, there is no conflict -- but there should be continuous dialogue towards the truth. As history would tell as, at first there was a seeming conflict between faith and reason or faith and science; but since these all come from God they all find their way back to God.
Just remember that: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (1 Cor. 1: 25). Choose your books wisely and gain the specific knowledge aligned to your vocation; for we have a limited time on earth to do the mission God has set for us: to reveal to others the Good News of Salvation in Christ Jesus.
2. Take delight in your daily reading time. I spend 30-45 minutes to read in the morning before work and about 30-45 minutes before I sleep -- and I enjoy it! Reading is not punishment, it is pleasurable and enlightening. Oh okay, many won't agree with me, especially those who say, "Reading isn't just for me." You may try to read the books you really like, then advance to the "hard core" books. Often, it takes a certain foundation building to appreciate the more difficult ones.
3. Remember that your knowledge ought to help spread the Gospel. As you strive for excellence in respective fields, you become a good model and a credible witness. Always permeate the Gospel in your decisions, in your dealings, in your relationships, and especially in your attitude. The Gospel is compatible with any field, even in Science and Technology; since all knowledge and wisdom come from God, there is no conflict -- but there should be continuous dialogue towards the truth. As history would tell as, at first there was a seeming conflict between faith and reason or faith and science; but since these all come from God they all find their way back to God.
Just remember that: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (1 Cor. 1: 25). Choose your books wisely and gain the specific knowledge aligned to your vocation; for we have a limited time on earth to do the mission God has set for us: to reveal to others the Good News of Salvation in Christ Jesus.
