10 Things to Consider When Going to the Library

By John Thrower

Where has the summer gone? It seems as if it just started and already folks are planning next years’ vacation, school is about to start and the days of summer will be just a memory. With school ready to begin in just a few short weeks, families and students will be using their school and public libraries and The Family Vision Library for research and relaxation.

I would like to give you 10 things to consider when you go to the library that will help you make wise choices in selecting books for your family.

Think on these things

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

The books that our family reads need to be measured by the standard of scripture. If the books are not edifying, it is wise to leave them and find books and resources that will build up your reader in a positive, biblical worldview. Many modern day books have bad language, negative influences and promote damaging social trends. As parents we are given the God given responsibility to protect our sons and daughters from the pervasive secular culture. Think on these things.

Do you know where your children are?

“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child.” (Proverbs 22:15a) “A companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20)

Up until the 1970’s a local television station would ask this question “It’s ten o’ clock, do you know where your children are?” The times have sure changed. Children can do as they please in many homes at whatever hour of the day they please. Because of this, it is important that the books you select for your children have a home based perspective. Find books that show the parents are in the ‘know’ as to where their children are, and with whom they are doing things with. As wise parents we would not allow our children to be a companion of fools, nor would we be so naïve as to think that our own children do not have a heart of foolishness. Either way the end result can cause harm physically and/or spiritually to our children. Select books that reflect the same care and concern you exercise in your daughters and sons lives.

Follow the leader

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)

Everyone is going to follow someone. Be sure that your reader is reading about men and women of godly character. The self centeredness in many books leaves out the opportunity for children to emulate character qualities that will transform them into the image of Christ. Many books of today reflect the disintegrating culture of America and the corresponding decline of morality. Be sure that your children will follow someone. Give them characters of strength and moral virtue to follow.

Have a heart for home

“Unless the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it.” (Psalm 127:1a)

Select books that have a home centered purpose. By this I mean books that show a married father and mother, a love for children, a positive relationship with parent and siblings and extended family. You get the picture. A home that is based on the Bible, not a politically correct anything goes home.

Two wrongs do not make a right

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” (Proverbs 4:14-15)

Books that are detailed in improper behavior and attitudes need to be avoided at all costs. The scripture is clear that each of us is to make it our purpose to stay away from evil, even the appearance of evil. Books with magic and sorcery and “the force” are all elements of cosmic humanism that are pumped into many children’s books. By knowingly accepting these books with the hope that you can enlighten your reader to be more discerning simply will not work. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

What a wicked web we weave

“…Yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.” (Romans 16:19b)

Our readers are very perceptive concerning deception and disobedience. It is a wise parent that carefully screens books for wicked attitudes, behaviors and habits. Even books from the 40’s and 50’s often made light of lying, childish indiscretions and outright deception as being a part of youth. Paul tells us to be simple when it comes to evil things. Simple means to be uneducated in the ways of evil. We all know the world educates our children and ourselves in wickedness, we do not need to contribute to it by the books we bring into our homes.

Be still and know that I am God

“…the Lord was not in the wind…the Lord was not in the earthquake…the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” (I Kings 19:11-12)

Books that produce great suspense and fear can cause a young reader to question the almighty power of God. The dark mysteries and espionage novels can have a pronounced negative effect on the reader. Many excellent tales of missionaries and the persecuted Church have deep suspense and fear, but have the beauty of the knowledge of Christ and the calm assurance of the One Who is greater than the world. Give your children books that reflect the glory of God and not the oppression of sinful man.

Is it real or realism?

“woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20)

Books that are politically correct, environmentally oriented (green), feministic and socialistic need to be identified and removed from your reader.

If the book is trying to persuade that the traditional way of life and thinking is no longer valid. That is a book of realism. If the book is a factual account of a person place or event with out trying to convert you, then it is a real book. These are really not very hard to spot. They may be subtle but not usually cleverly veiled.

Blessed are the peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Select books that are not violent in nature and that seek a harmonious resolution. Not everything has to end in battle and disputes. Pick your battles carefully and stand firm for right. Peaceful attitudes are the goal.

Wisdom rather than choice gold

“Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)

When selecting books for your family always choose wisdom. There is a great wealth of knowledge and wisdom within the pages of many books; just as there is a great deal of foolishness and lies in others. The discerning parent will direct their children to books and resources that build godly character and put forth biblical truth.

Conclusion

The war of the worldviews will be waged in your library and in your home. You have the authority and responsibility to guard your children’s hearts and protect that which goes into their eye gate and ultimately into their minds. Think on these things and be wise. And, above all else, keep your family grounded in the Word of God.

John Thrower is the Vice-President of The Family Vision Library a non-profit Christian lending library located at 516 S. Fifth Street in St. Charles, MO. For more information regarding The Family Vision Library call (636) 669-0111.