Why I Don't Read Fiction

Now, before I start this, please note, this is MY OWN PERSONAL CONVICTION.  I do not expect this to be yours, nor do I criticize anyone who reads fiction.  This is something the Lord impressed on my heart many years ago.

As a teenager, I read a lot.  I loved Christian fiction, especially historical fiction.  My favorites were Christy, Julie, and the Orphan Train Series.  When I went off to Bible college I began to read missionary biographies.  I quickly became fascinated with these real life Christian heroes.  There was just something about knowing that these people really lived at one time.  Maybe, it's that Straley nosiness in me, not sure. 

So began my collection of missionary biographies.  What I love most about a good missionary biography is to see the realness of the person, their weaknesses, their strengths, what made them tick, and most importantly their heart for God.

My two personal favorites is Evidence Not Seen and Jungle Pilot.

The last time I read a fiction book was in 2003.  It was the Elsie Dinsmore Series by Martha Finley.  Which I highly recommend, especially the original.  I wasn't interested in reading it, but my pastor's wife asked me to read at least the first one since I was in charge of our church library.  I read the first one and was hooked.  They are excellent, and influenced my walk with God at the time, it still influences my life now especially in the area of how I spend my Sunday.

I do not read only biographies.  I read other books like To Live is Christ, One Thousand Gifts, Meeting Him,  and Keeping Our Children's Hearts.

Here is my rule when reading a book...

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virture,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things."

Philippians 4:8

This was something the Lord impressed on my heart many years ago.  My thought is why read fiction when there is so much out there to read that really happened!  What are your thoughts?  What do you like to read?