The Individualist: Growing as an Enneagram 4 is designed to help Fours better understand how God created them and how best to use their unique gifts to serve Him and love others. This sixty-day devotional features a full explanation of what the Enneagram is and how it benefits people, followed by a description of what it means to be a Four, including their deadly sin, envy, and their greatest strength, space-saving for others. Creative daydreamers who are motivated by the search for authenticity, Fours are the most emotional type on the Enneagram. The sixty days are split into six 10-day topics that include uniqueness, weakness, strength, pain points, and where Fours go in times of stress and growth.
As a faith-based Enneagram enthusiast, this devotional was exactly what I was looking for: concise yet meaningful daily readings paired with poignant verses and questions; a reasonable, pre-determined time frame (60 Days); and an application of Enneagram wisdom that submits beautifully to Scripture.
I really enjoyed the progression through different facets of Enneagram wisdom (such as strengths, vice, stress, and growth), which both challenged me (hello readings on envy) and uplifted me. That's what I can say was best about this book: it was direct without being condemning and it invited me to look clearly at the best in myself. I look forward to going through it again next year.
A few considerations: while there is a good overview at the beginning, I think that you'll get the most out of this devotional if this is not your first exposure to the Enneagram. If it is, hold on to this, but spend some time on Elisabeth's Instagram page (@enneagram.life) or other resources such as the Enneagram Institute's website or Suzanne Stabile's podcast. Also, there were times that her take on Fours felt oversimplified or slanted toward her own experiences. It made it hard for me to make an application on some days. With that said, Elisabeth doesn't emphasize anything as set in stone, and Fours are notoriously varied.
But these things aren't worth skipping this book over. Bottom line: if you're a faith-based Type Four, you should definitely have this book in your personal library!
Are you an enneagram type 4? Is someone you love a type 4? Then this is the perfect devotional for you.
Time and time again, I felt like the author was somehow peeking into my heart and pulling things out that I thought I didn’t want to see. But instead of feeling shame or anger, I felt relief. FINALLY I was able to see aspects of myself in a clear light and realize that God made me who I am for a purpose, flaws and all, and it’s my job to take the time to work through the bad and grow in the good (with God’s help of course).
Each day contains some scripture, a reading, and a short way to apply what you’ve just learned. This devotional fits in very well for anyone who thinks they don’t have time for a devotional, but it doesn’t sacrifice quality!
As of the time of this review, the devotionals for types 2 and 9 will also be available 9/15/20, and the other types are coming soon!
This devotional is perfect for all the enneagram 4s out there. If you are looking for a shorter daily devotional, Bennett's book is the one for you! Full of encouragement and practical tips to take with you throughout the day, this is a perfect addition to any bookshelf!
Not just for the type 4 but anyone who wings 4, goes to a 4 in stress or security or who has a type 4 in their life, this book is transformative and an amazing catalyst for growth
I wanted to learn more about 4s because (I thought) it was the number I knew the least. I learned about these individualists, but also learned about myself along the way. These books help you take a deep dive in manageable, daily devotions. Elisabeth beautifully navigates you through the work of the enneagram. She uses God's word to help you know yourself better and build compassion for other numbers in your community. They're a gracious mirror that helps you face necessary truths and humbling revelations that bring freedom. The more I read about 4s, I better understood their struggles and was also better able to see how God created them to reflect a part of Himself to the world. The next two books (2s and 9s) are already in my cart.
Ever wanted a "manual" on yourself? While I am a newbie to the Enneagram, this book provided a comprehensive explanation and exploration of the Enneagram in the Introduction to the book. For this alone, the book was worth every penny!
However, I bought this book specifically for the devotional aspect. It delivered beautiful themed sections to each aspect of my Enneagram number - 4. It's like having a Biblically sound manual for your own personality and it's quirks! Each section spent 10 days diving deep into one theme. For example, it begins with "10 Days of Finding Beauty in Life." Other sections focused not the less desirable aspects of our personality, like "10 Days of Killing Envy." Ouch! The authors handle these sections with grace and understanding. I appreciated that they did not dance around the harder aspects of sin, but took them straight on.
Even though each day's devotional is short, they are rich with content and on point. I loved the short "Shift in Focus" at the end of each day. These helped me absorb and apply the truths presented in each devotional.
I will be coming back to the book over and over again for the encouragement and valuable counsel it provided!
When I picked up this devotional, I had hopes that this would help bridge the gap between scripture and what I’ve learned about the Enneagram, directing me to truth about who God says I am versus who my inner-shamer says I am. I’m happy to report that this book provided exactly that. It scratches the surface in that the entries are concise, not too long in length and each entry leaves you with contemplation, a shift in focus, that invites deeper reflection, prayer and journaling.
I loved the progression through the different aspects of the Enneagram. The book talks about the 4’s strengths, vices, and where we go in stress and growth. The beginning was a little slow for me, but everything else was pretty spot on, revealing parts of me I didn’t know needed to be revealed and holding a mirror to my tendencies. It is direct without condemnation, gentle, and Elisabeth doesn’t hold back.
There were a few times when I didn’t relate to the author’s experiences as a 4, which proved to be challenging when navigating how to apply the content to my own life. This one may be unique in that the author is also a 4, but I’m curious if the other books narrate more in third-person. Lastly, there’s a paragraph at the very end that wraps things up and summarizes what it looks like going to Three in Growth rather that going to One in Growth. This must be a typo meant for the 9 book, but it kind of threw me off course as I was rounding home.
Overall, this book is a must-have for any faith-based Enneagram enthusiast. Whether you are a 4, know a 4, go to 4 in stress/growth, have a 4 wing, etc., this book so beautifully provides an inside look into our world. The number of times I wrote “YES” or “ME TOO” in this book is more than I can count. I’ll be reading it again and again!
As I journeyed through this devotional, the deepest parts of me were encouraged, challenged, and strengthened. Areas where I have been wounded were cleansed and healed; areas that were un-examined, that I thought were just simply part of who I am, were challenged and called to a higher standard; areas of struggle were strengthened with the perfect mixture of conviction and grace; and areas of gifting were giving the space to grow and shine even brighter.
The entries are very approachable and easy to read, but for those willing to open their hearts and fully engage it, it will prompt self-reflection, transformation, and growth. For anyone who is new to the Enneagram and this journey of personal growth, this book will be an invaluable guide. Even as someone who has been on the journey of personal growth and emotional health for many years, Elisabeth's words challenged me to examine blind spots and dig deeper.
As someone with a theological master's degree, I was impressed by how well-grounded this devotional was theologically. If you let it, this book will guide you into one encounter after another with the love of God that will transform your life. The heart of Father God, who loves you, created you with purpose, and who is fighting on your behalf, is so evident in Elisabeth's writing. These devotionals guide you into the love of God in the unique ways needed by each number. I hope you will risk diving in deep, fully engaging, and meet with God through the pages of this book.
I am an Enneagram 4w5. The most helpful part of this 60-day devotional was not so much that I learned NEW things about myself but rather that I realized other people with my personality might have similar struggles and strengths. I felt understood. The short daily devotionals also helped me pause to think through prayers and methods for growing as an Enneagram 4.
My husband read one of Bennett’s other Enneagram devotionals for his own personality while I was reading this one. We decided to then swap books when we finished so that we could learn more about each other’s personality and learn how to best support our spouse’s growth and also navigate seasons of stress together.
I took off one star as this book needs to be reviewed again by the editor. There were several errors throughout the book but the most glaring one was in the 60th day. Days 51-60 had highlighted traits of the Enneagram 1 personality which is a 4’s growth number. But on the 60th day the text says, “Every new thing you’ve ever done needed some practice. Growing in going to a Three is not different. Practice asserting yourself, claiming your space, taking steps toward dreams, or growing in confidence.”
It was clear to my husband and me that the author used a similar structure for each personality’s devotional (we liked that ours were similar formats), but it seems, based on the above quote, that she must have been working off of a transcript for the 6’s devotional as the template for the 4’s book since it references growing toward a 3’s personality.
I've always had a hard time accepting that I'm a four. It doesn't seem like a enneagram# to be proud of. Most of the characteristics I see of 4s are weaknesses-even the name Individualist isn't very loving. It makes me feel selfish and self-focused... so when I saw Elisabeth's devotional coming out (been following her instagram), I was hopeful that this could help me see the bright and good things about being a 4. I was so encouraged and validated (perfect for a 4), but in a way that Christ created me just as I am, it's not a flaw (another belief of a 4)... but he meets me where I'm at & I can use my deep emotions for GOOD and for His Glory! Everyday I learned how to practically and tangibly 'feel' the love of Christ has for me and embrace being a 4 for the glory of God. I would recommend this book for a 4 who is struggling with how to be a healthy 4. I was even discouraged by the characteristics of a "healthy 4" & wish I could be more of a 2...serving & giving...but I've learned that 4s do give and serve in a different way. Yes, we may be individualist, but with God's help this book has shown me what I can bring to this world, that I'm seen and known (desire of 4s) and we are loved to be love to others.
I wanted to learn more about being an Enneagram type 4, but I also wanted God to be a part of it. This book was everything I wanted and more! Elisabeth has a way of helping you grow by speaking the truth but in a kind and loving way. This book felt like a friend was sitting next to me, gently bringing to light all the areas that God needed to heal. It also showed me that my emotions are not bad, that God created me with all of my emotions. One of my favorite quotes from the book was “If you are experiencing any loud emotions today, pause and invite the Lord to show you what is true and to release what is not. Invite him to help you believe what he says about you.” Since reading this devotional, I’ve been more aware of my strong emotions, and I know to go to God to help me sort out what is true and what is not. I highly recommend this devotional for Enneagram 4s!
As a lover of personality tests I immediately became curious about this book.
Elisabeth (a four herself) takes you through all kinds of powerful character traits of you as a four (creative, empathy, space saver, emotionally honest) and she also highlights the stumbling blocks.
The book consists of short chapters, each of 10 reflections grouped per theme. That makes it easy to read. In total you will find 60 inspiring writings in this book. Which you can read in 60 days as the book suggests, but which evokes light resistance to me as a creative and rebellious 4 🙃
Elisabeth gave me some brand new insights into my own behavior. She does a wonderful job of providing reflection questions in every chapter. And she encourages you to seek Jesus, ask for help and worship Him, thanking God for creating us so beautifully.
This was a wonderful book for helping me learn more about myself as an Enneagram 4- I felt so validated time and time again- as if there were finally words and explanations for things I've felt and struggled with my whole life. I found it encouraging and enlightening as Elisabeth so poignantly weaves spiritual truths and biblical wisdom together with the principles of the enneagram. I was challenged in areas I need to grow- but also had my eyes opened to ways I can reflect the LORD and love others well through my personality. I highly recommend this devotional to those who find the enneagram to be a helpful tool- this is a wonderful and unique addition to enneagram resources.
I chose to read this book as I highly adore the enneagram - reading a devotional that is specific to enneagram language in the context of spiritual growth is a winning combo. To be able to understand your type in the context of understanding who you are in Christ is unbeatable. Please do yourself and your loved ones a huge favor and get whatever type devotional is needed and get ready for a personal look at yourself or others through realistic, vulnerable, and spiritual eyes. You won’t regret it!
I got to be on the launch team for this book and let me tell ya, it's a must read. I'm not a ~huge~ fan of devotionals (usually because I disagree with different religious doctrines) but this one has been perfect. It sends one big message: "you are loved just as you are, dear four. you were made with your big heart and big feelings for a reason and it's one of the ways that you reflect Jesus. here's how to reflect Jesus even better..." If you are a 4 or have a 4 in your life, you need to grab this book.
This enneagram devotional book is a wonderful resource for Type 4's who are looking to better themselves. The daily dips into combined scripture and enneagram truth are a sweet reprieve from this harsh world. I am not a Type 4, so some aspects of this book did come across a little more harshly than my Type 6 is comfortable with. But my favorite pages focused on the artistic aspects of creativity and nature. Overall, though, a great resource for growth and improvement.
As a four myself, this book was equal parts comforting, challenging, and helpful. Elisabeth and her guest writers offer kind and insightful thoughts that will lead fours into greater introspection and spiritual direction in how to understand our own strengths and weaknesses. This is a devotional I will break out again and again as a reminder and a comfort.
I participated on a social media group going thru this devotional. There is a scripture reference for each day which was a great way to personally relate with the word of God and our talents. I really enjoyed this , especially on space saving, our creative sides and the need for discipline(really hit me on this ). Great devotional for all of those special 4s out there!
This small powerful book will remain on my shelf. Easy access for repeated re-reading. Loved it! I've always loved personality tests and when I discovered the enneagram it quickly became my favorite. This book, specifically for Fours, is a gem. It was beneficial for self reflection but also if you have a Four in your life and want to understand us a bit more read this book.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a devotional and insight into your enneagram. There is one for each enneagram, and I learned so much about myself through personality and God’s ultimate plan for the 4’s of the world. It talks about strengths and gifts we each have, but also how we can handle seasons of stress better.
I have read other enneagram books, but this one helped me to understand the dynamics of my type in a more streamlined way. It gives good advice for personal growth and understanding of areas that need work, and it does it in a very compassionate way. My thanks to the author.
Nice book, gentle to the reader, and a good reminder to creative folks we are loved in all our uniqueness as children of God. Also with a discussion of growth toward the enneagram wings, which involves spiritual discipline and consistency. Easy reading and accessible to high school level readers.
I am a 2, so I go to 4 in growth and have some friends who are 4s - this was so beautiful, kind, and challenging! Raw, honesty combined with Ennegram wisdom from Elisabeth feels like such a gift. I highly recommend this read, whether you are a 4 or if you love and know a 4!
The book spoke to my four heart in a deep way. Elisabeth’s writing is clear and full of heart and grace. I have felt my spiritual walk with the Lord strengthened while going through this devotional. If you type as a four, this book will bless your heart.
This book walks you through the nuances of life as an Ennegram 4. I appreciated the challenges made and grace extended for our weaknesses but also how to celebrate our strengths as Creatives. What a gift to walk through these words and to reflect on how we can seek to become more whole.
Was very insightful and gave me the space to reflect on being a 4. I felt really understood and seen which is something I struggle with a lot. Would definitely recommend to all the beautiful fours out there!
I loved this. If you know your enneagram number and are a believer, consider these devotionals. This book challenged, encouraged and comforted me. I committed to daily readings and was sad when it ended. So grateful for an uplifting and growth-minded enneagram book.
Reading it right now and loving it! Elisabeth’s writing style is both inviting and relational. As an Enneagram 9, I am encouraged and it is helping me see myself and my daughter (4) better.
I'm not a big personality test believer, but I buy the enneagram types hook, line and sinker. This book was awesome at connecting the Biblical value of strengthening weak areas.