Putting literal words into action

 

How many times have you read a book and forgotten about it few days after? Or are you just reading to tick off the number of books you've read in a year? 

I've lost count of the number of books I've read in my whole existence. However, that doesn't stop me from wanting to read more and know that I've gained a whole new wealth of knowledge. Reading a book is one, living out the words is another (of course this applies to books written to provide knowledge in various areas of life). 

It is said in James 1:23-24 "For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like." This goes to show that it isn't enough to read and not apply the knowledge. That being said, how then do we constantly put knowledge into application.

These steps are the practical steps I've used to apply what I've read:

-internalize as you read: doing this enables you to see how exactly the information applies to you 

-jot them down: jotting helps me to recall what I've read. It also helps me note major points or instructions that I need to apply.

-check the meaning of words that you've never read or heard of. Don't just read on without fully understanding the words and the context of its use.

-use sticky notes: I don't have a board but I stuck notes to my door (it looks funny but it's my own way of reminding myself of what I need to have at the back of mind)

-talk about what you've read with your friends: talking also reiterates what had been consumed and even opens your mind to other possibilities and perspectives.

-get a reading partner: this is my favourite part because we share info that may have escaped our mind somehow.

-Go back to your notes: read through what you've jotted. It's enough to just jot. What I do is to go back to everything I've jotted at the end of the year. 

You may not remember consumed written content word for word, but you'll be able to put those good old words to action.

Peace✌️

Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding [drawing it forth from God's Word and life's experiences],

Proverbs 3:13 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.3.13.AMPC