Volume 14 Issue 12
I’d like to build my library, especially of leadership books. But with so much humanistic material, how can I decide what’s appropriate for a Christian?
There are many good books on the market for leaders of all sorts. Some are good and others aren’t so good. In order to judge what is appropriate for a Christian leader, there are several key questions to ask about this material:
1. Is God introduced in the reading material, and if so, in what context? Many use the word “God,” but in a non-biblical context. They’ll use it as a swear word or in a New Age sense. We must be careful to avoid Godless material.
2. Do the books you’re reading show only the materialistic side of life? Remember that materialism alone can never be the criteria for success. There are other, more important aspects of life. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on positive, uplifting things. Allow your mind to be filled with the beauty of life, and not just the materialistic things.
3. Does the author suggest that God is interested in helping all men succeed, regardless of their manner of life? There are some who feel that God isn’t concerned how you live, and is interested in helping all people, even liars and immoral people, but that simply is not true.
4. What does the book suggest is the source of our confidence? Should we trust in Christ or in our flesh? Remember that Paul said our confidence is in Christ. Material that suggests we can make it on our own should be avoided in favor of that which suggests a dependency on God.
Much can be gained from a good book, sometimes even a secular one. Just be sure that your reading material maintains a view of life consistent with Scripture.
