Great Books; Not-So-Great Books
There are a lot of great books out there, and they do have their place. Especially, when the writers determined to submit to the Holy Spirit. Thus, He is the Author, and they are scribes. The Holy Spirit is the Author of the Bible, and those who physically wrote each book were scribes. Like dictation, they wrote what they heard.
1 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Moreover, these books align with Scripture, which was the intent of the writers. Their hearts had no hidden agendas. Their interest was the will of God, and to share what they were taught. Again, by the will of God, and to His glory. When the content of the books is Spirit led, they bear will witness to our spirits.
Without going deep into this subject, sometimes such books cause confusion to some readers. Why? Because they have strongholds, which are false teachings they received as truth. Sometimes, what we hear from others is a little off, or maybe way off. This is why it is important to pay attention to the Spirit’s promptings. “This feels off.” When someone feels confused by truth, it means he didn’t have the truth to begin with. That may sound obvious, but if you have a stronghold, it will not so apparent. When you have the truth, you cannot be confused.
There are many not-so-great books that should be left unread (great kindling, perhaps). The Bible clearly warns us of false teachers. That’s is not to say everyone who writes such books have evil intent. For example, some used human reasoning. This is why it is important to ask the Lord whether you should read a particular book. It may prove beneficial to be willing to hear, “No books at all.” More on this in a moment. In order for things to be truly spiritual in the positive sense, they must involve the Holy Spirit. Incidentally, this applies to people.
1 Corinthians 2:12-16 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
When Books are Out of Place
As already stated, there are some books not worth considering, because they are unbiblical. That’s a no-brainer. That being said, even great books can be out of place. How so? In some instances, they are out of season. A person may not be in the proper season to read it, or maturity level as far as that goes. This gets back to asking God first. He is our ultimate Teacher Who knows what we need, and when we need it. For instance, He may want to teach you something without outside interference. A book may hinder what He is trying to reveal to you. Of course, the Lord may allow you read a book that might confirm what He has shown you. By the way, it is usually better to not seek confirmations. They will come at the proper time, if He feels you need one. Seeking them can lead to confirmation bias, which is a different subject.
Sometimes, people become too dependent on books. This is especially true for those who have a difficult time understanding the Bible. Some have believed the lie that says, “Only certain people can understand it, and you are not one of them.” That would make God unequal.
Part of seeking Him involves reading His Word, which is not meant to be studied as one might study a textbook. It works best to approached it relationally with Him. The Bible reveals God to us, and as it has been said, “It is His love letter to us.” As alluded to earlier, we need to be reliant on the Holy Spirit; not books.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The renewing process involves reading Scripture with Him. The more we think like Him, the more we are able discern the things of God. That includes discerning what He considers to be great books, and which ones should be burned. When you know His truth, you cannot be confused by a lie. In short, ask Him whether you should read a book. He may have you read it now. He may have you wait for a while, or He may say, “No, not ever!” Stay open!
