Every day I strive to teach my children the Bible is a living and active, life-giving book that’s essential to prioritize. We delve into exciting stories of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Joshua watching the walls of Jericho crumble around him, and Daniel pacing a lion’s den unharmed. We learn that God is the one who parts the Red Sea, defeats the enemy, and seals the mouths of lions. We learn this same God will also deliver us.
 |
| Photo Credit |
Why do we work so hard to teach our children truths about God and then allow them to fill their minds with books that fall far short of God’s glory? We must not. The chief question I ask myself when evaluating books for my children is does the book exalt Christ? Would I be embarrassed to caught reading it if He walked into the room? While it’s easier for me to grab whatever secular book is available on the library shelf, it is worth me going to a little extra trouble to steer my children toward Christian books.
Does every book have to explicitly mention Christ? Of course not! I regularly read all varieties of secular books. When we need to research an animal for a science project or study an autobiography of a children’s author, we typically turn to the library instead of the Christian bookstore.
We also let the kids read for plain old fun! Beautifully written fiction that is not expressly Christian still moves me to both laughter and tears. I love to share with my children powerfully written literature that resonates with the human soul. If we consistently teach our children, they will gradually learn to use a Christian worldview to evaluate the characters and plot in all books. As long as the book satisfies my criteria for moral appropriateness, we read it.
Although we read anything appropriate, we seek Christian books, It’s worth it to this mom to put in a little extra leg work providing my kids with plenty of Christian reading material.
How do you guide your children into finding wholesome books? Please share in the comments.
I’m linking this post up at Grace & Truth.
I’m linking this post up at Grace & Truth.
Forever Joyful 
While we do not use Sonlight, I still get their catalog because there are so many great books listed in it. Konos also has great lists, so I'm always excited to find them at the library.
LikeLike
I 2nd Sonlight! The books nowadays marketed for teens…SMH…I just picked up a book my daughter (13) borrowed from the library. It's description is “This sexy, smart, tender romance…” It's about 16-year-olds! This book found it's way into my “return” bag…
LikeLike
Same here! I don't use the Sonlight curriculum package, but I use all kinds of different reading lists. They have a great one!
LikeLike
Good for you for having the courage to say no to a book you don't approve of.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you here, I also sensor books for my kids and encourage imaginative reading too (which means not all Bible et al). Thank you sharing this with us at Grace & Truth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was my pleasure to participate in your link-up!
LikeLike
Yes, I try to make sure a lot of what my kids read is edifying and good. Although, now that they are getting older, it is getting harder to find good material for them to read. I do have a list of books for my oldest for her grade 9 year next year – and I am happy with the choices.
LikeLike