Lots of us have extensive TBR (to-be-read) lists filled with a variety of genres. My list continually grows, especially when I hear about classic fiction I have never read or learn about an in-depth and honest spiritual growth book.
I even have a separate list of devotional classics. So, if you are like me and earnestly seek out relevant titles that are interesting and deal with faith, then you probably enjoy book suggestions.
The following is a list of suggestions based on books that have helped me grow spiritually in the past few years.
Included in the list are a variety of topics, such as the cost of following Christ, knowing and loving the Lord, and a collection of classic spiritual devotionals. Others discuss suffering and how God is good despite the darkness we encounter.
All these books are great resources that I highly encourage you to read. However, I want to issue a word of caution. None of these selections replace the need to read the Bible daily. Books are helpful supplements, but they should not be the main source of our spiritual nourishment.
As Charles Spurgeon is popularly quoted as saying, “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.”
1. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
A beloved Christian classic that has a wealth of spiritual insights. Although modern readers may struggle with the way the book is written, Moody Publishers has a version that provides an introduction with helpful reminders to keep in mind while reading the work. There are also discussion questions that enable you to engage with key takeaways more deeply.
What stuck out to me the most was Thomas a Kempis’ emphasis on the need to meditate on the brevity of life and to live with the awareness that one day we will die. As he wrote, “It is vanity to mind only this present life, and not to foresee those things which are to come” (Moody Classics, p. 26).
The concept of memento mori (remembering death) is not as widely taught in modern churches, but I think Kempis’s work can motivate us to live with a greater focus on eternity.
2. Radical by David Platt
Although this book was published over ten years ago, David Platt’s message is still just as applicable.
Instead of living to make Jesus known among the nations, lots of Christians are content with chasing the American dream. They live with their eyes focused on their temporary home and forget the need to store true riches in heaven.
If there is any book that is readily suited for beginning the new year with changes, it is Radical. At the end of the book, Platt provides a challenge that encourages believers to live with a commitment to the biblical gospel.
Those who commit to the year-long challenge will find a renewed sense of purpose and understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
3. Parables of the Cross by Lilias Trotter
I first heard about Lilias Trotter through a devotional book that told the stories of Christian women in history.
After learning more about her missionary work in Algeria, I discovered that she had penned multiple devotional works. One that should be listed as a devotional classic is Parables of the Cross.
The book includes her thoughts about dying to self and living in Christ alongside her artwork of plants and the natural world, which serve as a parable of the Christian life.
Interested readers will greatly enjoy a physical copy of the book with the prints of Trotter’s art. However, the book can also be found online, such as on Project Gutenberg.
One of my favorite prints in the book is a painting of a dandelion. In the dandelion’s death, it offers up seeds to be spread in the wind and to bring new life.
Alongside this print, Trotter includes an insightful poem attributed to Ugo Bassi, an Italian Priest. The poem and artwork sum up the theme of Christlike sacrifice that is present throughout the work.
4. The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson
I became a fan of Andrew Peterson after reading his fantasy series,The Wingfeather Saga. His books on faith and creativity, though, are also excellent and just as enjoyable to read.
The God of the Garden is a mix of his thoughts on nature, especially his love for trees, and the story of his struggle with depression. Not only is it beautifully designed, but also well written.
In a world of popular Christian books that promote toxic positivity, Peterson’s book is a refreshingly heartfelt and biblically honest work that does not try to cover up the messy parts of life.
I appreciated his vulnerability in sharing the dark seasons he experienced while also repeatedly turning back to the redemptive work of Christ.
5. Suffering Is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot
Published posthumously, this book by Elisabeth Elliot is based on a series of talks she gave about suffering. She openly discusses the personal losses she endured in her life, including the death of her first husband, Jim Elliot, and the loss of her second husband.
These losses were not good, but she learned important lessons from God through her experiences. Suffering is not meaningless or without purpose.
So many of us are tempted to blame God for not doing something about our pain and sorrow when we experience disease, disaster, or death.
When we wonder why God does not do something, Elisabeth Elliot reminds us, “He did. He became the victim, a lamb slain from before the foundation of the world” (B&H Publishing, p. 35). We all need that reminder, especially in our seasons of suffering.
6. Devotional Classics edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith
During my search for individual devotional classics, I discovered Devotional Classics that introduced me to many great excerpts of writing.
This Renovare resource includes selections from authors such as C. S. Lewis, Augustine, Brother Lawrence, Francois Fenelon, Hannah Whitall Smith, John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, and Teresa of Avila, among many others.
After each excerpt, there are reflection questions and suggested exercises to implement what you learned from the reading.
Although the book could easily be used for daily devotions, the reader does need to take time to engage with the works and reflect on the selections.
I have found that for many books, such as this one, going slower and reading more carefully is worth the time and effort. Having a journal nearby is also helpful while engaging with this book.
7. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller
Some readers may overlook the significance of this book because of its small size. Despite its compactness, Keller’s meditations on Psalm 23 draw the reader in and provide a fresh look at the well-known psalm. He speaks of the pain of the valley of death authentically while retaining the hope believers have in Christ.
There were so many lessons I took away from this book, but what I appreciated most was his insights based on his time as a shepherd. Learning more about his experience with sheep and their behaviors provided deeper insights into how the Lord cares for us as the Good Shepherd.
A New Year, a New Opportunity to Read More Books
Although there are many more books I could have included on this list, the ones listed are excellent choices for growing spiritually, thinking about significant topics like suffering, and learning from Christians who have gone before us. Choose one or add all of them to your reading list.
Regardless, may you read more biblically and spiritually rich books this new year.
For further reading:
10 Excellent Christian Books for Women
7 Books for You to Read This Year
How Christian Publishing Is Alive and Well
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Zephyr18
