Don't Eat That
Discerning Truth in a World Full of Spiritual Junk Food
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Discerning Truth in a World of Noise
Today, we're bombarded with information from countless sources. Social media feeds, podcasts, videos, and articles all compete for our attention. As believers, this presents a unique challenge: how do we discern spiritual truth from falsehood?
Many Christians consume any teaching that sounds spiritual without proper evaluation. We might hear something that resonates with part of our faith and accept the whole message without testing it against Scripture. This dangerous habit can lead us to build our spiritual lives on shifting sand rather than the solid rock of God's Word.
Paul faced this same issue with the Galatian church. They had quickly turned from the true gospel to different teachings that sounded good but contradicted the truth. Paul's astonishment echoes through the centuries to us today: how can we so quickly abandon sound doctrine for appealing falsehoods?
The first step in protecting ourselves is developing discernment. We must know who's preparing our spiritual food and test every teaching against Scripture. This means being intentional about our information sources and having the courage to reject even popular teachings if they contradict God's Word.
Today, commit to examining one source of spiritual information in your life. Ask yourself: Does this align with Scripture? Is it leading me closer to Christ or toward something else?
Bible Verse
Galatians 1:6–10 (NLT)
I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Question
What information sources have the strongest influence on your spiritual thinking, and have you ever tested their teachings against Scripture?
Prayer
Lord, give me discernment in this noisy world. Help me recognize truth from falsehood and give me courage to reject teachings that contradict Your Word, no matter how appealing they might seem. Sharpen my spiritual senses to recognize Your voice above all others. Amen.
Day 2: Building a Foundation on God's Word
Imagine building a house without checking if your measurements are accurate. A small error at the foundation becomes a major problem as the building rises. Our spiritual lives work the same way—small deviations from truth create major problems over time.
Many believers consume spiritual content without verifying its accuracy against Scripture. We might follow teachers because they're entertaining or because their messages make us feel good, rather than because they faithfully teach God's Word.
The solution is discipline - learning to feed yourself through daily Bible reading, prayer, and meditation. When we develop these habits, we build our spiritual house on the solid rock that withstands life's storms.
When reading Scripture, ask three simple questions: What does this passage say? Why does it matter? How can I apply it? This approach helps us move beyond surface-level understanding to true transformation.
Jesus warned that hearing His words without applying them is like building a house on sand. When storms come—and they will—only the house built on the foundation of obedience will stand. The difference isn't in hearing the words but in putting them into practice.
Today, consider establishing a daily feeding routine. Even five minutes of intentional Scripture reading and prayer can begin strengthening your spiritual foundation. Remember, consistency matters more than quantity when building habits.
Bible Verse
Matthew 7:24–27 (NLT)
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
Question
What specific practice could you implement today to better build your life on the foundation of God's Word rather than the shifting sands of popular opinion?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me build my life on the solid foundation of Your Word. Give me discipline to read Scripture daily and apply it faithfully. When storms come, let me stand firm because my life is built on obedience to You. Strengthen my resolve to follow Your truth above all else. Amen.
Day 3: Testing Everything Against Scripture
In ancient Berea, Paul encountered a remarkable group of believers. Despite Paul's apostolic authority, these Christians didn't automatically accept his teaching. Instead, they "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11). Their example provides a powerful model for us today.
In our information-saturated world, we're constantly exposed to spiritual claims—some true, some false, and many mixing truth with error. Without a standard for evaluation, we risk building our faith on faulty foundations.
God has given us His Word as the ultimate standard of truth. When we encounter new teachings, our first response should be to ask, "What does Scripture say about this?" God will never contradict Himself or lead us to violate His written Word.
This doesn't mean we approach Scripture with a closed mind. Rather, we study it diligently, seeking to understand its meaning in context. We compare Scripture with Scripture, allowing clearer passages to illuminate more difficult ones.
When someone claims, "God told me," our gentle response should be, "What does God's Word say?" This isn't skepticism but faithful stewardship of the truth entrusted to us.
Today, practice this Berean approach with something you've recently heard or read. Take time to search Scripture and test whether it aligns with God's revealed truth. This discipline protects us from error and deepens our understanding of God's Word.
Bible Verse
Acts 17:10–12 (NLT)
That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.
Quote
"My response to people who say, you know what the Lord told me is, well, do you know what the word of God says?"
Prayer
Lord, give me a Berean heart—eager to learn but committed to testing everything against Your Word. Help me recognize truth and reject falsehood, even when it comes from respected sources. Deepen my knowledge of Scripture so I can discern Your voice more clearly. Thank You for giving us Your Word as our guide. Amen.
Day 4: From Hearing to Doing
Knowledge without application leads to spiritual stagnation. Many of us attend services, listen to sermons, and read Christian books, accumulating biblical knowledge without allowing it to transform our lives. James addresses this tendency directly: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
James compares someone who hears God's Word without applying it to a person who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets what they look like. The purpose of Scripture isn't merely to inform us but to transform us. When we fail to apply what we learn, we deceive ourselves into thinking we're growing spiritually when we're actually standing still.
True spiritual maturity comes through obedience. Jesus asked, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). Our verbal affirmations of faith mean little if our lives don't reflect Christ's teachings.
The most challenging place to live out our faith is often with those closest to us. It's relatively easy to appear spiritual at church or in public, but our true character is revealed in how we treat family members and close friends. These relationships provide the greatest opportunity to demonstrate genuine faith.
Today, identify one biblical principle you've heard but haven't fully implemented. Choose a specific action that would demonstrate obedience in this area, particularly in your closest relationships. Remember, God's Word only changes those who obey it.
Bible Verse
James 1:22–25 (NLT)
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
Reflection Question
What is one biblical principle you've repeatedly heard but struggled to consistently apply in your daily life, especially with those closest to you?
Quote
"The word of God only changes those who obey it. Another way to say that is, the word of God only helps the heart that heeds it."
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I've been content with hearing Your Word without applying it. Transform me from a hearer into a doer. Help me live out my faith authentically, especially with those who know me best. May my actions align with my beliefs so that others see Christ in me. Amen.
Day 5: Sharing the Bread of Life
When you discover something truly satisfying, your natural response is to share it with others. Whether it's a delicious restaurant, an inspiring book, or a beautiful hiking trail, we eagerly tell those we care about. How much more should we share the ultimate satisfaction—Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life?
In John 6, Jesus makes an extraordinary claim: "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry." He offers himself as the only true satisfaction for our soul's deepest hunger. While the world offers countless substitutes that temporarily fill our spiritual emptiness, only Jesus provides lasting fulfillment.
Once we've experienced this satisfaction ourselves—once we've "tasted and seen that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8)—we naturally want others to experience it too. This isn't about imposing our beliefs but sharing something precious we've discovered.
Jesus commissioned his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This Great Commission isn't just for professional ministers but for everyone who has tasted the goodness of God. We share not out of obligation but from the overflow of our own satisfaction in Christ.
Today, consider who in your life might be hungry for the satisfaction only Jesus provides. How might you naturally share with them what you've found in Christ? Remember, the most effective witness comes from a life visibly satisfied in God.
Bible Verse
John 6:35 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Reflection Question
Who in your life seems to be searching for spiritual satisfaction, and what specific step could you take this week to share with them the bread of life you've found in Jesus?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the bread that truly satisfies my soul's hunger. Help me recognize those around me who are still searching for fulfillment in things that cannot satisfy. Give me courage and wisdom to share You—the true bread of life—with others who hunger. May my life demonstrate the satisfaction that comes only from knowing You. Amen.
Today, we're bombarded with information from countless sources. Social media feeds, podcasts, videos, and articles all compete for our attention. As believers, this presents a unique challenge: how do we discern spiritual truth from falsehood?
Many Christians consume any teaching that sounds spiritual without proper evaluation. We might hear something that resonates with part of our faith and accept the whole message without testing it against Scripture. This dangerous habit can lead us to build our spiritual lives on shifting sand rather than the solid rock of God's Word.
Paul faced this same issue with the Galatian church. They had quickly turned from the true gospel to different teachings that sounded good but contradicted the truth. Paul's astonishment echoes through the centuries to us today: how can we so quickly abandon sound doctrine for appealing falsehoods?
The first step in protecting ourselves is developing discernment. We must know who's preparing our spiritual food and test every teaching against Scripture. This means being intentional about our information sources and having the courage to reject even popular teachings if they contradict God's Word.
Today, commit to examining one source of spiritual information in your life. Ask yourself: Does this align with Scripture? Is it leading me closer to Christ or toward something else?
Bible Verse
Galatians 1:6–10 (NLT)
I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Question
What information sources have the strongest influence on your spiritual thinking, and have you ever tested their teachings against Scripture?
Prayer
Lord, give me discernment in this noisy world. Help me recognize truth from falsehood and give me courage to reject teachings that contradict Your Word, no matter how appealing they might seem. Sharpen my spiritual senses to recognize Your voice above all others. Amen.
Day 2: Building a Foundation on God's Word
Imagine building a house without checking if your measurements are accurate. A small error at the foundation becomes a major problem as the building rises. Our spiritual lives work the same way—small deviations from truth create major problems over time.
Many believers consume spiritual content without verifying its accuracy against Scripture. We might follow teachers because they're entertaining or because their messages make us feel good, rather than because they faithfully teach God's Word.
The solution is discipline - learning to feed yourself through daily Bible reading, prayer, and meditation. When we develop these habits, we build our spiritual house on the solid rock that withstands life's storms.
When reading Scripture, ask three simple questions: What does this passage say? Why does it matter? How can I apply it? This approach helps us move beyond surface-level understanding to true transformation.
Jesus warned that hearing His words without applying them is like building a house on sand. When storms come—and they will—only the house built on the foundation of obedience will stand. The difference isn't in hearing the words but in putting them into practice.
Today, consider establishing a daily feeding routine. Even five minutes of intentional Scripture reading and prayer can begin strengthening your spiritual foundation. Remember, consistency matters more than quantity when building habits.
Bible Verse
Matthew 7:24–27 (NLT)
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
Question
What specific practice could you implement today to better build your life on the foundation of God's Word rather than the shifting sands of popular opinion?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me build my life on the solid foundation of Your Word. Give me discipline to read Scripture daily and apply it faithfully. When storms come, let me stand firm because my life is built on obedience to You. Strengthen my resolve to follow Your truth above all else. Amen.
Day 3: Testing Everything Against Scripture
In ancient Berea, Paul encountered a remarkable group of believers. Despite Paul's apostolic authority, these Christians didn't automatically accept his teaching. Instead, they "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11). Their example provides a powerful model for us today.
In our information-saturated world, we're constantly exposed to spiritual claims—some true, some false, and many mixing truth with error. Without a standard for evaluation, we risk building our faith on faulty foundations.
God has given us His Word as the ultimate standard of truth. When we encounter new teachings, our first response should be to ask, "What does Scripture say about this?" God will never contradict Himself or lead us to violate His written Word.
This doesn't mean we approach Scripture with a closed mind. Rather, we study it diligently, seeking to understand its meaning in context. We compare Scripture with Scripture, allowing clearer passages to illuminate more difficult ones.
When someone claims, "God told me," our gentle response should be, "What does God's Word say?" This isn't skepticism but faithful stewardship of the truth entrusted to us.
Today, practice this Berean approach with something you've recently heard or read. Take time to search Scripture and test whether it aligns with God's revealed truth. This discipline protects us from error and deepens our understanding of God's Word.
Bible Verse
Acts 17:10–12 (NLT)
That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men.
Quote
"My response to people who say, you know what the Lord told me is, well, do you know what the word of God says?"
Prayer
Lord, give me a Berean heart—eager to learn but committed to testing everything against Your Word. Help me recognize truth and reject falsehood, even when it comes from respected sources. Deepen my knowledge of Scripture so I can discern Your voice more clearly. Thank You for giving us Your Word as our guide. Amen.
Day 4: From Hearing to Doing
Knowledge without application leads to spiritual stagnation. Many of us attend services, listen to sermons, and read Christian books, accumulating biblical knowledge without allowing it to transform our lives. James addresses this tendency directly: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
James compares someone who hears God's Word without applying it to a person who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets what they look like. The purpose of Scripture isn't merely to inform us but to transform us. When we fail to apply what we learn, we deceive ourselves into thinking we're growing spiritually when we're actually standing still.
True spiritual maturity comes through obedience. Jesus asked, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). Our verbal affirmations of faith mean little if our lives don't reflect Christ's teachings.
The most challenging place to live out our faith is often with those closest to us. It's relatively easy to appear spiritual at church or in public, but our true character is revealed in how we treat family members and close friends. These relationships provide the greatest opportunity to demonstrate genuine faith.
Today, identify one biblical principle you've heard but haven't fully implemented. Choose a specific action that would demonstrate obedience in this area, particularly in your closest relationships. Remember, God's Word only changes those who obey it.
Bible Verse
James 1:22–25 (NLT)
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
Reflection Question
What is one biblical principle you've repeatedly heard but struggled to consistently apply in your daily life, especially with those closest to you?
Quote
"The word of God only changes those who obey it. Another way to say that is, the word of God only helps the heart that heeds it."
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I've been content with hearing Your Word without applying it. Transform me from a hearer into a doer. Help me live out my faith authentically, especially with those who know me best. May my actions align with my beliefs so that others see Christ in me. Amen.
Day 5: Sharing the Bread of Life
When you discover something truly satisfying, your natural response is to share it with others. Whether it's a delicious restaurant, an inspiring book, or a beautiful hiking trail, we eagerly tell those we care about. How much more should we share the ultimate satisfaction—Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life?
In John 6, Jesus makes an extraordinary claim: "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry." He offers himself as the only true satisfaction for our soul's deepest hunger. While the world offers countless substitutes that temporarily fill our spiritual emptiness, only Jesus provides lasting fulfillment.
Once we've experienced this satisfaction ourselves—once we've "tasted and seen that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8)—we naturally want others to experience it too. This isn't about imposing our beliefs but sharing something precious we've discovered.
Jesus commissioned his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This Great Commission isn't just for professional ministers but for everyone who has tasted the goodness of God. We share not out of obligation but from the overflow of our own satisfaction in Christ.
Today, consider who in your life might be hungry for the satisfaction only Jesus provides. How might you naturally share with them what you've found in Christ? Remember, the most effective witness comes from a life visibly satisfied in God.
Bible Verse
John 6:35 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
Reflection Question
Who in your life seems to be searching for spiritual satisfaction, and what specific step could you take this week to share with them the bread of life you've found in Jesus?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the bread that truly satisfies my soul's hunger. Help me recognize those around me who are still searching for fulfillment in things that cannot satisfy. Give me courage and wisdom to share You—the true bread of life—with others who hunger. May my life demonstrate the satisfaction that comes only from knowing You. Amen.
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