My family reads a lot. We try hard to limit time in front of the screen and take care about what we watch. We strive to find and keep books that are truly good books, those that are well-written, wholesome, encouraging Christlikeness, and reinforcing teaching from God’s Word. We love to read books that friends with the same desire to honor Christ recommend to us.

If you are one who seeks to fill your mind with wholesome truth, you want to prioritize the right kind of reading. In your pursuit of beneficial reading, you understand the necessity of exercising discernment in what your read. Perhaps these principles I have collected through the years that have guided me may be helpful as you make book choices. As stewards of the minds God has given us, let us have a healthy diet of reading.

Here are six principles about reading that I seek to maintain. The first three are based upon biblical principles and the next three simply my opinion.

Give God’s Word first place

We must never allow the reading of God’s Word and Bible study to be replaced by other reading. If we find ourselves reading books, even books about the Bible, but not reading the Bible itself, there is a problem.

Even worse, if we allow ourselves to become consumed in fiction or secular topics and fail to meditate on God’s Word, a deeper problem exists. We need God’s Word above all else. I urge my family not to read any other books or watch any video or movie unless they have already spent time in the Word of God.

We must strive to develop a love of God’s Word. Begin by meditating on Psalm 119. Maybe even fast from reading anything but Scripture for a time if need be.

“Oh how I love your law! It is my mediation all the day…I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold[1]” (Ps 119:97, 127).

Focus your reading on books that encourage understanding of God and His truth

What we choose to read reflects our spiritual hunger. I should not be able to spend endless hours reading worldly fiction and neglect books that teach me to know God and serve Him better. While there is nothing inherently wrong with reading secular topics or fiction written by non-Christians, this should not be where the majority of our discretionary reading takes place.

We have access to a tremendous wealth of good books to encourage our souls and draw us near to God. Our diet of reading should include these types of books, even if it means we need to discipline ourselves and develop a spiritual appetite for them.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:2).

Determine to reread good books

C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying, “It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between.” I have greatly profited from this advice.

Rereading good books helps ensure that we are reading good books. It helps us meditate on truth that was effectively communicated to us in the past. Good books are like a pot of mom’s chili—always better the second time around.

One of our big problems today is that we are so heavily bombarded with new information and new books that we are tempted to never read anything twice but instead try to keep up with everything coming out.

“The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh” (Ecc 12:11-12).

And then there are those readers with superpowers who are simply able to remember most of what they read the first time around—these readers go by different rules :<).

Intentionally vary the genres you read

Some of us really like a certain genre or topic, whether it be eschatology, historical fiction, devotional books, medieval fantasy, or missionary biographies. If so, we may be tempted to read that genre or topic to the exclusion of anything else. If we narrow our reading this way, it is to our own hurt.

I believe one of the best things we readers can do for ourselves is to intentionally mix-and-match the genres and categories of our reading. Don’t get trapped in the rut of only reading heavy material or sticking to light reading.  

Always keep a Bible study or devotional book going

It is a tragedy for a Christian to fail to take advantage of the insanely numerous numbers of books written by godly men and women to encourage our faith. And yet, many Christians simply read Christian fiction as their only diet of Christian writing! Don’t let this be you.

Since we have such a wealth of soundly biblical resources about Christian living and doctrine to draw from, we need to be continually benefiting from them. When we choose books, we are choosing teachers. We are choosing voices to speak into our lives. Knowing this, we need to choose a continual input of truth.

Keep a fiction book going at all times

Some Christians have argued that believers should limit themselves to non-fiction. I see no biblical warrant for this. However, there are obviously dangers if most of our reading is fiction, or if we addict ourselves to unreality and forget to live where we are.

There is great profit to be found in reading well-written Christian fiction that illustrates God’s truth. It has been a great blessing to me personally to read gifted authors whose Bible-saturated minds and hearts create rich stories that ring true and motivate the reader.

I am one of those analytical spirits whose mind is continually trying to solve problems. Fiction helps me slow my mind down so I can rest.

I have dealt with auto-immune issues for years. At times, I have had serious limitations on my concentration. At such times, I have benefitted greatly from powerfully written Christian fiction, classics, or history. 

Have a few books going at once

This helps when you are reading a book that is not as helpful or requires slower reading to meditate on the content. Some books are quick reads while others require a slower pace. It helps us read books that are harder for us to digest if we have another going that is easier to swallow as well. It also encourages us to stay balanced in our reading choices.

May God help us to choose our teachers wisely!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps 19:14).

[1] All Scripture quotations are from the ESV unless otherwise noted.