I love to read! It is fun, exciting, and relaxing for me. I become so engrossed in what I am reading, that I have to monitor myself, so as not to neglect the more important things in my life.
Before I was really trying to live my life for God, I found secular series of books that I enjoyed. I was careful not to read books that were too promiscuous or trashy, but they definitely were not godly books. Then as God started to nudge me, and I became more focused on Him, I switched to reading Christian romance. My now deceased grandmother provided a steady stream of these enjoyable, “light reading” books. Before I finished one, she would have another one waiting for me. Yes, they were a little sappy at times, but actually quite fun for me to read.
I continued on, enjoying my time to relax and zone out from life. But as we all know, God likes to keep working on us, and that He did. As my relationship and focus continued to turn more toward God, I noticed that these fun, “Christian” romance novels tended to focus more on the romance, than the Christian. Many times they would create a perfect world, with perfect romances, and perfect endings. Although light-hearted stories can be enjoyable, it can easily cause us to feel disillusioned with our imperfect life and self.
I, also, began to see that while I was blissful reading fiction, my time to read God’s Word had greatly diminished. When I did seem to have a few “extra” minutes to read, like when nursing a little one, I didn’t reach for the Bible, but rather for my novels. Instead of spending time learning about God and the life He calls us to lead, I was continuously dwelling in fantasy land.
Not only was this time I could be investing in my faith, it set the example to my children that “What Mom really wants to read are fiction books.” This is not in any way to say that all fiction reading is bad, but that by becoming engrossed in it, and turning daily to my pleasure reading, I was not sending the right message.
If I’m not reading the Bible, or tending to my daily tasks, I know that my children could greatly use this time, just relaxing with mom. Reading with them, playing a game, or just having fun together is way more important.
When I felt God guiding me away from so much fiction reading, I started off by gathering my books and sticking them on a high shelf. I rationalized that if for some reason I got sick, or something, I might actually need this plethora of books. Hmm. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, it was my way of “holding on” to something I wasn’t quite ready to fully trust God on.
Thankfully, God kept working on me, and I have now managed to purge my excessive fiction books. No longer do I feel the need to read my day away. When I have a few minutes and want to read, I can spend that time much more wisely reading the Bible, or even an informational or inspiring book to help me in my journey. Every once in a while I will pick a fiction book to read, but only one, and not back to back. I know that this has been a weakness for me, and I don’t want to fall back into my old pattern.
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11
I love a good fiction book to and devour one whenever I start it. Reading constantly until I finish. So I choose when to read them carefully.
Mary Beth
I agree, it’s so hard to put a good book down! Limiting the times ! start a book has helped me so much. Thanks for you comment.
Me too, Mary Beth!
Love this post! I think this is my fave one yet from you!
I was an obsessive fiction reader (for myself) until my son was born. I was soooo excited to go to our library book sale today and find a great stock in children’s Christian books….
Blessings!
May I ask if you read Steeple Hill??? Those are my faves–I’d love an author recommendatioin if you have one!
I too am back to reading those simple sweet Christian romances…and more bible!!!
I hope you don’t mind, but I’m planning to share this post on fb today–love it!!!
Hi, Michy. I’m so glad you liked this post, and I really appreciate your encouragement!! Yes, I have read quite a few of the Steeple Hill books, and did find them to be enjoyable (as long as I was able to put them down!).
The next fiction book I’m going to read is an Amish book I got. I’ve found that even though we are not Amish ourselves, it’s fun to read about their simple life. Man, are they hard workers! Thanks for your comment!
I LOVE to read Historical Christian Romance. It’s my favorite genre, and I think a lot of the draw is that it inspires me to live a simple hardworking life, focusing on God, which people tended to do more so back in the day.
I haven’t read any historical Christian romance, sounds fun! I do know that as far as books or even movies, when the setting is in older times, they tend to have better values and messages. Kind of sad, but true.
Have you read Sally Shepard Grey (Gray’s) books—great Christian Amish fiction!!! I’ve read so many, but found the most popular authors to sometimes (sadly) be nearly nowhere as good as the smaller authors!
I don’t think I have ever read her. My next Amish book is by Beth Wiseman, but I haven’t read her before. It was recommended from http://psalm108-13.blogspot.com/. Also my mother-in-law suggested Lauraine Snelling, but there again, haven’t gotten to hers either. Most of what I had read where part of different series, and small time authors. It would be fun to compile a list, for those times when we want to splurge ourselves on a little light-hearted fiction. Thanks!
Trina…there you are all up in my business again! lol. It’s really uncanny! I have had some of these same thoughts. I haven’t felt God leading me to completely give it up right now, but definitely cutting back and for some of the same reasons—mainly that I “don’t have time” or am “too tired” to spend a few hours reading God’s word, but think nothing of spending those few hours reading a book. But, I do like those light hearted stories sometimes
Glad you liked the post, Crystal. I couldn’t agree more with enjoying the light hearted stories! For me, I found I got too caught-up in them. It’s still something I would love to do more of, but all in moderation, right?!
I edited a comment made by someone for 50 Shades of Grey. I had no idea what it was until I read the follow-up comments. Yikes!! Apparently it is completely inappropriate, and not something to be read by Christian women. Thanks for letting me know!
Umm… Fifty Shades of Grey is bondage porn! Sorry, ‘erotic fiction’. I think (hope) that recommendation was a ejoke.
Yikes!!! I hope that was not a real suggestion, then. Thank you so much for clarifying!
I do so much better reading non-fiction, fiction I can’t put down once I start, it’s BAD. Fiction is good for when I know I’ll have a lot of spare time, but other than that, not so much. I do like listening to books on tape while cleaning though.
Yeah, as much as it can be fun, I have to watch myself very closely. Most of the time, I am not reading any fiction anymore. Thanks for the comment.
Oh so true!!! I find myself in this story–thank you for sharing! You’ve given me lots to think about! And I agree with Miranda–50 Shades of Grey does NOT follow the guidelines given to us by Paul about what we should take into our lives.
I’m glad you liked the post. Part of my problem with reading fiction was getting too into the story, and not keeping it in moderation. That being said, reading novels that contain inappropriate themes would just be that much more of a negative influence, and like you said, not what the Bible tells us we are supposed to be a part of. Thanks for the comment!
How cool is this? Last week I featured you and this week you are the reader’s choice. There was a tie and you were one of the one’s chosen. Its so neat to feature you again at WJIM. have a great week.
Thank you so much! I’ve really enjoyed being a part of your link-up and reading all the wonderful posts. Thanks!