Not the Same: Bible Study vs. Devotionals
I'm just going to say it. Most people don't read their Bibles. For some, it's not a priority, for others they find it easier to digest devotionals.
The problem with that is:
With devotionals, you're reading very little scripture. Most devotionals are composed of summaries or stories that are related to scripture. You may read a few verses, but the greatest percentage of a devotional is not scripture.
With devotionals all the work is done for you. Someone else has read the Bible and compiled all the information for you.
When you read the Bible, you have to study for yourself; you have to focus for yourself; you have to learn for yourself. Is it more time consuming? Yes. Does it require more effort? Yes, but the results are so worth it. If you rely heavily on devotionals, that's ok...for now.
Take an opportunity to challenge yourself with reading the Bible.
And remember, this is not an attack on devotionals or the people who read them.
Here's why:
I love a good devotional. They are helpful tools to gain biblical knowledge.
I literally write devotionals. So it would not benefit me to bash them.
Some people would say this is a good time to tell you about my latest book (which happens to be a devotional), but they obviously didn't read this post where I spend the entire time telling you to actually read your Bible. Now, go read your Bible.
Up Next: Not the Same: Bible Study vs. Sermons