Devotionals have taken Christianity by storm! Almost every Christian author has at least one devotional in their list of published works. Some authors have even gained world-wide recognition for their devotionals, and have sold millions of copies in various languages. Devotionals are a great tool for everyday spiritual food—but only if they are good; that is, theologically sound and biblically faithful.
Among the many types of devotionals, the general daily or weekly devotionals are certainly the most common. Other devotionals are also available, such as topical, couples, teenage, husband's, wife's, musician's, teacher's...you name it, devotional. Selecting the type, style, and format of a devotional to read, however, is not as important as analyzing its content, which is what this article will focus on.
The Introduction
Every devotional should display certain qualities and characteristics in order for it to be deemed worthy of being read—especially for spiritual growth. Therefore, before choosing a devotional, one of the first things you will need to look at is its author. Research who the author is, what their theological inclinations are, whether they are a pastor or not, what church they are a part of, where they went to school (such as seminary), and what their family life looks like, etc. This is the most important first step. Choose wisely.
After getting an idea of who the author is, read through the devotional's front-cover flap and introduction, if it has one. Those sections are where the author will usually write his or her thoughts regarding the devotional: when, where, how, and why they wrote it, and if it is part of a series, if there is an electronic and/or audio version, if there is a group or page on social media dedicated to its readers, and how to use the devotional as it was intended to be used. This is where you will glean insight on the devotional's aim.
The Content
Once you familiarize yourself with the devotional's author and its introduction, the following step is to actually look through the content itself. How is the material organized? Is there any logical order to it, or is it a totally different teaching each day (some people like continuity of ideas)? This aspect can vary, and there is no one right way to do it. Also, are the entries short or long, and is there a space for your notes on the side, bottom, or adjacent page (some might like this feature)?
Next, read a couple of the devotional's entries, but before agreeing with what it says, ask yourself this crucially important question: are these ideas, beliefs, assertions, and teachings biblically sound? Some writers are masterful with the English language, and are very motivational, encouraging, and inspiring—but their teachings are unbiblical. Check their words against the Scriptures to "see if these things are so." One way to do this is to read, in context, all of the referenced verses used for each entry, usually found at the beginning or at the end of the entry.
Any good devotional will have solid teaching in each and every entry. Whether the instruction comes through the exposition of a certain passage, or the helpful life application of a certain verse or topic, teaching should make up a large part of the devotional. Also, a worthy devotional will make you think through the deep matters of the faith, call you to repentance and holy living, and also exhort, encourage, and inspire you to seek more of God and to do good works.
Some Red Flags
As you read through the content—the daily entries and teachings—there are a few things you should watch out for...before purchasing the devotional. Noticing these aspects of the devotional will help you be more discerning about its possible erroneous teachings that could lead you astray and hinder your walk with the Lord.
1.) More Than 3 Bible Translations Used
If the devotional in question makes use of more than three different Bible translations, beware. Authors commonly use various translations when they are trying to make the Bible say what they want it to say, and not what it actually says; they want to prove their point, so they hand-pick the verses and translations that seemingly do just that. Of course, using many translations is not wrong, in and of itself, but using them in order to prove a point which is foreign to the original meaning of the verse is wrong. Therefore, it is best to find a devotional that sticks to one or two translations. The best translations include: NASB, ESV, HCSB, and NIV, in order of preference—click here to know why.
2.) Verses Used Out Of Context
Verses used out of context are always a red flag in any reading that you engage with. Of course, many verses can be used to prove a point, especially if the context of the verse deals with the same topic or issue being written about; but too often it is the case that the Scriptures are taken out of context and twisted so that their intended meaning is entirely lost or blurred to the reader. Be careful not to fall prey to the devil's lies mixed with God's truths.
3.) A Focus On Prosperity, Health, and Worldly Success
It is the goal of any good devotional to help the reader grow spiritually, and to encourage, exhort, inspire, and call to action the disciple of Christ in their everyday life. But many times these encouragements are really just empty promises of prosperity, health, and worldly success disguised as a "word from the Lord." Be sure to steer clear from these types of devotionals, as they will not give you any true comfort for today, nor hope for tomorrow—found only in a relationship with Jesus.
4.) Sounding More Like Psychology Than Theology
Related to the previous point, some devotionals tend to sound more like the author is a psychologist or motivational speaker than a faithful theologian sharing and teaching God's Holy Word. Sure, it is great to be encouraged by others through God's Words—but not by placing our hope, joy, happiness, peace, and faith in the things of this world. Although this may be difficult to discern, learning to spot this trend will save you from despair and help you to focus on what God says and not on what a feel-good teacher with light theology says.
5.) Speaking For/As God (In First Person)
Saving the best—or worst—for last, this point is crucial to be able to discern when reading through a prospective devotional. Does the author write the entries in the first person (using "I," "me," "my," and "mine"), as if he or she were God, or speaking for Him? Does he or she claim that the words they have written were told to them by God Himself? If so, stay away from these types of devotionals! Anyone who claims to be writing as/for God is in violation of Scripture (Revelation 22:18-19). Writing down what the Holy Spirit impresses upon your heart is one thing; speaking in the first person as/for God is quite another.
As stated before, the reason for looking at the devotional's introduction or front-cover flap is because many authors often tell us when, where, how, and why they wrote their devotional. Sometimes the stories regarding their inspiration for writing are questionable and should be a cause for concern. Many devotional writers claim to have heard—or have been told—a special message from God Himself for them to write for us. This is heretical, unacceptable, and outright dangerous.
The Bible alone is sufficient for our knowledge of God, and our walk with Jesus; and the Bible alone has God's message to us. Imagine the false teachings that can arise from the starting point that a devotional's author is speaking for God! Reading these kinds of devotionals will soon cause you to become confused as to what God actually says in the Bible. You will begin to blur and mix the words of the devotional's author with the Bible's Author; God's true Word will become tainted by others' paraphrases and interpretations of it.
Reflections
Reading a daily devotional every day can be a wonderful experience; reading and studying the Bible will be even better. Although you can learn much from daily bits of biblical teachings through devotionals, nothing can substitute active and intentional study of the Bible, showered with daily prayer and living out your faith. Allow God to encourage you first through His perfect Word before being encouraged through others' imperfect words.
Also, reading a devotional just to read it to get your fifteen minutes of "God time" in is not enough to grow spiritually and into maturity. It is, as they say, "better than nothing," but we should all strive to seriously study our Bible (maybe by following a Bible reading plan with the help of a good commentary) and then read our devotionals. Remember, "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).
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