Where has the school year gone? It seems as if it just started, and already folks are planning for this year’s summer vacation; school is about to end and the days of summer will be in full swing. With school set to end in just a few short weeks, families and students will be using their public libraries and The Family Vision Library for reading enjoyment and relaxation.

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

   “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

   “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 1970s, the local television stations would ask this question: “It’s ten o’clock, do you know where your children are?” The times have sure changed. In many homes, children can do what they please 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.

    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 spiritually to our children. Select books that reflect the same care and concern you exercise in your daughters’ and sons’ lives.

    “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.

   Your children will follow someone. Give them characters of strength and moral virtue to follow.

   “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 every one of us must make it his purpose to stay away from evil, even the appearance of evil.

   Magic and sorcery and “the force” are all elements of cosmic humanism that are pumped into many children’s books. Accepting these books in 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.

   “…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 ‘40s and ‘50s often made light of lying, childish indiscretions and outright deception as all being a part of youth.

   Paul tells us to be simple concerning evil; this 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.

   “…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.

   “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 should be identified and removed from your reader.

   If a book is trying to persuade the reader that the traditional way of life and thinking is no longer valid, that is a book of realism, not of reality. These are really not very hard to spot. They may be subtle but not usually cleverly veiled.

   If the book is a factual account of a person, place or event without an underlying agenda, then it is a real book.

   “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 is the principal 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 within the pages of many books, just as there is a great deal of foolishness and lies in others. The discerning parent will give to the child that which will build him up in godly character and biblical truth.