Awkward moments

It was one of those slightly awkward dinner moments. Two brilliant friends both carrying PhDs, asked what books I was reading lately. I paused, took a sip of water, and said, “Well… the Bible.” They nodded politely, then leaned in again: “Sure, but what other books?” I answered slowly, “Honestly… I’ve been busy building. We just launched X, we’re working on Y, and I learned a ton solving Z.” Silence. Forks clinking. Then the follow-up: “So… you’re not reading books?” A lifeline appeared, “Audio books count… what audio books are you listening to?” I smiled. 😎 We finished dinner. Conversation over. Not tense… just different operating systems.

Here’s the thing: my default rhythm isn’t read → discuss → read. It’s learn → build → launch. I’m not against books — I’ve been shaped by titles like Ten Faces of Innovation, Multipliers, and Irresistible Revolution. They were meaningful, catalytic even. But my daily anchor isn’t stacked on my nightstand , it’s Scripture.

The Bible doesn’t just inform me; it aligns me. It steadies my thinking when everything else is moving fast. It’s less about collecting ideas and more about calibrating direction. In a world obsessed with consuming more content, I’m more interested in walking closely with the Author.

Isaiah captures this grounding perfectly: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3–4). That’s the difference. Books can sharpen your thinking; Scripture stabilizes your soul. And Jesus didn’t leave us to figure it out alone. He promised, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit becomes the guide — not just through pages, but through decisions, risks, and real-world building.

So while others are stacking reading lists, I’m trying to live the commission: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:18–20). That’s not passive learning — that’s movement. That’s building. That’s launching. It’s following, not just studying. And at the end of the day, my posture is simple: follow me as I follow Christ.