One of the ways our Savior taught was through stories:

“Teaching by parables was popular and attracted the respect and attention, not only of the Jews but also of other nations. He could not have used a more effective teaching method.” Parables of Jesus, p. 4.

Who doesn't love a good story, right?

Some years ago, we started a family story time here at home. We would read a few pages together from a very interesting book of stories about missionaries or pioneers of our church. Since my husband also loves hearing stories (and the boys thought it was cooler with the whole family together), we scheduled this time well before bedtime or sometimes right after lunch, as that was when Dad was present. It even served as an incentive for the children, as I would tell them that if they were ready by a certain time, we could have this moment, but if it got too late, it wouldn't happen.

When I told them they had to be all ready – bathed, teeth brushed, and in pajamas, just needing to go to bed – it always worked. Then, we would have our devotion and go to story time. On certain occasions, they would draw and paint while listening to the stories. Other times, when they were older, they enjoyed "carving" little sticks with a pocketknife (I even received a wooden spoon once). Sometimes they didn't want to do anything but listen, and other times, they themselves wanted to read to us, their parents. How much we learned from those stories.

We will discuss the criteria we should use when choosing stories for our children, and we will also cover the following categories of stories:

1. Biblical stories

2. Stories of the Reformers

3. Stories of our church's pioneers

4. Stories of past and present missionaries

5. General stories that contribute to character building

The goal of this topic is to inspire our children to love and serve the Lord throughout their lives, using illustrations from the lives of great men and women who feared the Lord.

What criteria should we use to choose a story?

For us here at home, Philippians 4:8 is our filter:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

For me, this verse is already enough, but our wonderful and loving God has also given us even more digestible information so that we don't fall into the enemy's traps.

We also know that the best way to prevent the growth of evil is to preemptively occupy the ground. (Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, p. 136)

The book Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students has a very useful chapter titled: “What Shall Our Children Read?” There are also several parts of the book Education that come to our aid on this topic.

WHAT TO READ:

1. The Bible – Always asking for the Holy Spirit's help for understanding

Why read: Because it is the Book of books. Because daily study of the Scriptures has a sanctifying, ennobling influence on the spirit. The mind and heart will gain new strength, new life. Because studying the Bible requires our most diligent effort and constant thought. It is a safe guard against degeneration. The mind expands and strengthens. (I could write a whole book just about the benefits of studying the Bible, but I'll stop here…)

a. Biblical Biographies

Why read: Because no part of the Bible is of greater educational value than its biographies. These differ from all others, as they are absolutely faithful.

b. History of Humanity and Prophecy

Why read: Because the Bible is the oldest and most comprehensive historical account known to man.

c. Stories from Nature

Why Read: Because for the young child, still unable to learn from the printed page or participate in classroom activities, Nature presents an unfailing source of instruction and delight… And for older individuals, who continually need this silent reminder of spiritual and eternal things, lessons drawn from Nature will be a source of pleasure and instruction. The invisible is illustrated by the visible. (Education, p. 100)

d. Stories of the Parables

Why read: Because in teaching through parables, the same principle of Christ's mission to the world is evident.

e. Poetry

Why read: Because the oldest as well as the most sublime poetic expressions known are found in the Scriptures. Before the world's first poets had sung, the shepherd of Midian had already recorded them. They present the character of God through the beauty of words.

f. Hymns

Why read/sing: Because the history of the Bible's songs is full of suggestions regarding the uses and benefits of music and singing.

“Because great have been the blessings received by people in response to songs of praise. Because through the songs of the Bible, we can commune with heaven.

“Because few means are more effective for fixing His words in memory than repeating them in song. And such a song has wonderful power. It has the power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to awaken thoughts and arouse sympathy, to promote harmony of action and banish sadness and evil forebodings, which destroy courage and weaken effort.

“Because it is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with spiritual truths. How often, to the heart sorely oppressed and ready to despair, do some of God's words come to mind – those of a long-forgotten refrain from a childhood hymn – and temptations lose their power, life takes on new meaning and purpose, and courage and joy are communicated to others!” (Education, p. 168).

2. Sensible Stories that will direct interest toward the Bible

Why read: Because it will lead the mind to take interest in the narration, history, and argumentation of the Bible.

3. Stories that shed light on the Bible

Why read: Because it will increase the desire to study the Bible.

4. Sabbath School Lesson Stories

Why Read: Because it provides parents and children an opportunity to study God's Word and teaches spiritual truths. It offers the chance to seek broad meaning in biblical passages. It provides the opportunity to store words of truth through memorization, and such a habit will be invaluable for spiritual growth. (Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, p. 137).

5. Health Literature

Why Read: Because it will contribute to preparation for medical missionary work. It will help in understanding the philosophy of health. Because those who study and practice the principles of healthy living will be greatly blessed, physically and spiritually. Understanding the philosophy of health is a safeguard against many continually increasing evils. (Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, p. 138).

6. Health Literature

Why Read: Because they have testified to the power of God's Word against human power and cunning in support of evil. Such individuals constitute the true nobility of the world. Such is their royal lineage. In this lineage, today's youth are called to take their place. (Education, p. 255)

Examples cited by EGW: The Waldenses and the Huguenots, Wycliffe and Huss, Jerome and Luther, Tyndale and Knox, Zinzendorf and Wesley (Education, p. 254), Zwingli, Cranmer, Latimer and Knox (Acts of the Apostles, p. 333), Joseph Wolff (The Great Controversy, p. 160)

7. History of Our Church Pioneers

Why Read: Because by reviewing our past history, having revisited every step of our progress up to our current level, we can say: Praise be to God! Seeing what the Lord has accomplished fills us with admiration and confidence in Christ's leadership. We have nothing to fear for the future, unless we forget the way the Lord has led us and the lessons He has taught us in the past.

8. History of Missionaries

Why Read: To awaken in children and young people sympathy and a spirit of sacrifice for the millions suffering in distant regions, and to familiarize them with their countries and peoples. (Education, p. 269)

Suggestions given by Ellen White: Moffat and Livingstone, Carey, and current stories of missionary effort. (Education, p. 269)

"Our youth should read that which will exert a healthy, sanctifying influence upon the mind. This they need in order to be able to discern what true religion is." (Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 547).

WHAT NOT TO READ:

The book "Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students" warns us of the danger in certain types of reading. Starting on page 132, we find a guide that not only presents what not to read but also explains why it should not be read. How our Father loves us by giving us so much clarification. Let's study them!

1. Periodicals and newspapers containing serial stories, which leave no good impression on the minds of children and young people.

Why shouldn't I read this? Because it cultivates a taste for fiction.

2. Fictional Stories.

Why shouldn't I read this? Because it detracts from true piety and practical religion. They prevent one from reflecting light upon others.

3. Magazines and newspapers containing "love" stories and exciting frivolous tales.

Why shouldn't I read this? Because it's a curse to anyone who reads it, even if the author intends to convey a good moral lesson. It makes a person unfit for the duties of practical life. It causes one to live in an unreal world. They become incapable of discussing anything but trivial matters. Religious thoughts and conversations will be foreign to their spirit.

4. Sensationalist topics, such as get-rich-quick schemes.

Why shouldn't I read this? Because there is a satanic fascination in books like these.

5. Stories of crime and atrocities.

Why shouldn't I read this? Because it has an enchanting power over many, leading them to consider what they can do to be noticed, even if it involves terrible and evil actions.

6. Themes in historical writings that depict cruelties or licentious practices.

Why shouldn't I read this? Because it acts like leaven in many minds, leading to the commission of similar acts.

7. Stories that depict satanic practices by human beings.

Why shouldn't I read this? Because these horrible acts should not be relived. When the intellect receives such information, thoughts will become impure and sensual.

8. Exciting stories.

Why shouldn't I read this? Because those who indulge in the habit of 'devouring' exciting stories are simply invalidating their mental strength and disabling the spirit for vigorous thought and investigation. Some young people, and even those of mature age, have suffered from paralysis, stemming from no other cause than excessive reading. The nervous energy of the brain was kept in constant excitement until this delicate mechanism became exhausted, refusing to act. Some parts of its delicate mechanism gave way, and as a result, paralysis occurred.

9. Stories by unfaithful authors.

Why shouldn't I read this? Because these stories are inspired by the enemy of truth, and no one can read them without putting their soul in danger. They place themselves on Satan's ground, and he takes the greatest advantage from it. With a fascinating, seductive power, unbelief takes hold of the mind.

“The world is flooded with books that it would be better to burn than to circulate.” CP133

Words from Sister White a few months before her death:

“I do not expect to live much longer. My work is almost finished. Tell our young people that I want my words to encourage them in a way of life that will be most attractive to heavenly beings, and that their influence on others may be ennobling.

“During the night hours, I have been setting aside books that are not beneficial for young people. We should choose books for them that encourage sincerity of life and lead them to open the Word. This was presented to me in times past, and I thought to lay it before you and establish it. We cannot afford to offer young people reading material devoid of value. Books are needed that will be a blessing to the mind and soul. These matters are regarded too lightly; therefore, our people should become familiar with what I am saying.” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 547, 548).

I have always tried to be very selective and cautious in choosing reading materials for my children, yet, in revisiting this study, I learned things I had unknowingly overlooked. If you realize you've made mistakes, don't despair; apologize to your child(ren) and explain that from now on, we will only choose what fits the parameters set by the Lord.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13, 14.

Angélica Gomide

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