The Spiritual Discipline of Subtraction

In one of the Wild at Heart podcasts (I don’t remember which one), Blaine Eldredge made a statement that caused me to stop and ponder:

“We talk about the mistake of adding when the life with God is largely about subtraction or replacement.”

I think this is a great insight. Most of us approach the Christian life like students eager for extra credit. We want to know what we can add to our already busy schedules—more Bible studies, more service projects, more activities. Deep down we think, If I can just stack enough good things together, then God will surely be pleased with me.

But Scripture shows us that life with God doesn’t begin with addition. More often than not, it begins with subtraction.

The Rich Young Ruler’s Dilemma

In Mark 10:17–22 we meet the rich young ruler who runs up to Jesus and asks, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He is ready to add. His mindset is clear: Give me the next good work to tack onto my already impressive résumé.

Yet Jesus doesn’t add to his list. He subtracts. “You lack one thing: Go, sell all that you have and give to the poor… and come, follow me.”

The man went away sorrowful because the subtraction Jesus asked from him was too costly. His identity and security were wrapped up in wealth and position, and letting them go seemed impossible.

This encounter forces us to wrestle with a hard truth: sometimes the next step in following Jesus is not about doing more but about letting go of what already fills our hands.

The Burden of Addition

Our culture prizes addition. We measure our worth by accomplishments, possessions, and activities. Even in the church, busyness can masquerade as faithfulness. The problem is that constant addition eventually leads to exhaustion. We keep piling on responsibilities, hobbies, commitments, and distractions until we have no margin left to truly abide in Christ.

When Jesus says in Matthew 11:28–30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” He is offering a radically different way. His yoke is easy not because He expects nothing, but because He invites us to lay down the weight of unnecessary additions and to walk in the simplicity of love, obedience, and trust.

The Call to Subtraction

What might subtraction look like for us today? 

• Subtracting distractions: stepping away from the endless scroll of Netflix, social media, or news cycles that consume our time and attention.
• Subtracting misplaced loyalties: disentangling our identity from politics or culture wars that promise salvation but cannot deliver it.
• Subtracting busyness: saying no to the tyranny of schedules that leave no room for prayer, rest, or community.
• Subtracting idols: releasing whatever we cling to for security—money, reputation, success, or even good things like ministry—that keep us from depending fully on Jesus.

Paul captures this in Philippians 3:7–8: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” 

Subtraction is not about depriving ourselves—it is about clearing space for the greater treasure of Christ Himself.

Subtraction as Freedom

When we think about subtraction, it feels like loss. But in God’s economy, subtraction is freedom. By letting go, we make room for God’s presence. By releasing what enslaves us, we discover true rest. By losing our lives, we find them (Matthew 16:25).

The goal isn’t simply to have less but to make space for what matters most: abiding in Jesus. Subtraction clears the clutter so that the voice of the Shepherd can be heard above the noise.

A Question to Carry

So here’s the question I’ve been pondering—and I invite you to ponder it with me:

What is Jesus calling you to subtract from your life?

It may be something that seems valuable. It may feel like a responsibility. It may even be something that has defined you for years. But if it keeps you from abiding in Jesus, it is worth letting go.

Following Jesus isn’t about stacking up spiritual achievements. It’s about living with open hands—willing to subtract whatever competes with Him, so that our lives can be filled with the only One who truly satisfies.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

7 Habits to Help Beat the Winter Blues

As the days grow shorter and the sun seems to hide behind gray skies, many of us feel our energy dip and melancholy begin to creep in. The winter months often bring what’s called seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a mix of low mood, fatigue, and sluggishness brought on by limited sunlight.

For me, November through February have long been difficult. That’s why I’ve become intentional about practices that help me live with more hope and joy, even in these shadowed months. This past year, as I’ve worked to manage my depression (it still comes and goes), I’ve discovered practices that keep my mind and heart steady through life’s ups and downs. Some of these are backed by research; others simply help me encounter God’s grace in ordinary life.

As winter settles in, here are five habits that have helped me stay grounded and joyful.

5 HABITS TO CONSIDER

1. Prioritize Movement

When it’s cold and dark, the temptation is to stay inside and stay still. But moving our bodies—even a little—makes a noticeable difference. Studies show mood and stress improve with even modest amounts of walking. The benefit comes less from hitting a specific step count and more from simply getting our bodies moving.

One of the best decisions our family made recently was getting our dog, Teddy, who gives me a reason to get outside, even on the coldest days. On harsher days, a walk around the church building or a treadmill does the trick. Movement in any form is a gift we can give ourselves.

2. Take a Daily Pause for Prayer

I’ve found life-giving rhythm in short pauses during the day. I use the One Minute Pause App to stop, breathe, and reconnect with God. These brief moments reorient my spirit when the day starts to feel heavy or scattered.

Research confirms what Scripture teaches: stillness brings clarity. Even a minute of mindful prayer calms anxiety and restores focus. Whether using an app, a psalm, or simply reciting a short prayer, the aim is the same—to become aware again of God’s constant presence.

3. Listen to Music Instead of News and Podcasts

We live in an era of information saturation. Even good content can leave our minds overloaded. Over time, I noticed my spirit felt crowded, and my thoughts constantly churned.

When I started turning off podcasts and news in favor of music, my heart began to rest again. Worship, classical, quiet piano, and Irish/Celtic music especially draw me back to God with a quiet joy. As part of my daily rhythm, I use the Pause App then sing along with three worship songs. This practice resets my heart toward the Kingdom.

Studies show music lowers stress hormones and activates parts of the brain linked to joy. Sometimes the simplest tools are the most spiritual.

4. Pay Attention to Nutrition

Winter can become a season of comfort food and sugary celebration. I’m grateful for all the holiday treats—and I enjoy them—but I’ve also noticed that what I eat affects not just my energy, but my emotions. Protein, in particular, supports the brain chemistry that regulates mood and motivation.

For me, being mindful of nutrition keeps me more alert and less prone to emotional crashes. I’ve also been experimenting with creatine in my morning shake. While results vary for each person, research suggests it may support mental clarity and focus. The point isn’t a supplement, though—it’s remembering that caring for our bodies helps us better care for our souls.

5. Return to Pen and Paper

Handwriting slows me down enough to pray my thoughts instead of merely recording them. I’ve rediscovered this especially through sermon preparation—breaking down a passage by hand helps me absorb and wrestle with it more deeply.

Research shows journaling can lessen stress and increase clarity. For me, writing is not just reflection—it becomes prayer. Pen and paper help me meet God in the tangle of my own thoughts, which is one of the purposes behind my blog, Paul’s Ponderings.

2 HABITS I’M STILL LEARNING

1. Strength Training

Resistance training builds more than muscle and longevity — it strengthens mood, confidence, and resilience. Studies even link it to lower rates of anxiety and depression. It’s something I want to make more consistent this winter.

2. Getting More Sleep

Short days tempt me to stay up late scrolling or reading, but quality rest remains essential. Sleep restores the mind, supports emotional balance, and gives us the capacity to love well.

AN ACT OF STEWARDSHIP

As the season changes, I’m reminded that caring for our mental and physical health is a form of stewardship—tending to the mind and body God has entrusted to us. It is also part of discipleship. We cannot grow into maturity as followers of King Jesus if we neglect the care of our bodies, hearts, and minds. 

When we integrate spiritual disciplines with healthy physical habits, we honor God with our bodies and make space for joy to grow again. Winter will always bring gray days, but it doesn’t have to bring a heaviness to our hearts.

What rhythms help you stay grounded and joyful in the darker months?

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

True Holiness

What comes to mind when you hear the word holiness? For many, it sounds intimidating—like a standard we could never reach. Others reduce it to moral rule-keeping or avoiding sin. But what if holiness is less about striving for perfection and more about experiencing the transforming presence of God?

“True holiness is a profound, living encounter with the living God. It is an encounter that takes us beyond ourselves into the very heart of God.”

— John Eldredge, The Utter Relief of Holiness

In his book, Eldredge reminds us that holiness isn’t primarily about performance. It’s not about gritting our teeth and trying harder to be good. Rather, holiness is a dynamic, transformative encounter with the living God—one that pulls us out of ourselves and draws us into His heart.

What is holiness? Holiness is being separated from the ordinary. God is holy because as Creator He is separate from His creation. God is holy because He is perfectly good and separate from beings who are a mix of good and bad.

This means that holiness is not self-produced. It is a gift received through faith and obedience, reshaping our hearts and minds. God declares that His people are holy. The foundation of our holiness is a living relationship with God that changes our status. We are ultimately holy, separated from the ordinary reality of this world, not because of our moral perfection, but because of God’s declaration.

When we encounter the goodness and love of God, we are overwhelmed with awe, love, and conviction. These three feelings draw us closer to Him, and that relationship ignites our spiritual formation. Therefore, as we grow in our understanding of His character and boundless love, as we pledge our allegiance to King Jesus, we begin to reflect that love outward to the people around us. 

Holiness, then, isn’t about rigid compliance or flawless performance. It’s about being remade by God’s love—and letting that renewal spill into every corner of our lives. It’s a way of living that demonstrates His character and brings Him glory.

Pursuing holiness requires intention. It is the discipline following God daily—through prayer, Scripture, worship, and even in the quiet rhythms of life. As James 4:8 promises, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

True holiness is not something we can achieve on our own. It is a gift of grace, born from a living encounter with God. And as we walk in His presence day by day, His Spirit transforms us from the inside out—freeing us from what weighs us down and empowering us to love God with all or our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

So let’s not settle for a shallow view of holiness as rule-keeping. Let’s pursue an encounter with the living and holy God. Let’s open our lives to God’s presence and allow His goodness to set us free.

Loving Jesus and Bible Reading

Is it possible to love Jesus and still find the Bible hard to read?

That’s a question I pondered after I saw this quote on Facebook:

“A huge sign you lost the fire for Jesus is the Bible will be a chore to read.”

—Brent Williamson

I know what he is trying to say. He wants people to understand how important knowing Scripture is to being a disciple of Jesus, and I totally agree with that sentiment. Unfortunately, I cannot get on board with what it actually says.

Let me be honest: I hate this kind of thinking. 

I hate it, not because I doubt the speaker’s sincerity, but because it paints a misleading picture of spiritual formation. This quote suggests that if Bible reading feels like work, then something must be wrong with your faith. 

The sentiment behind the quote resonates with those people who love reading the Bible. They find the discipline of Scripture reading easy, and they routinely read through the Bible every year. 

This same thought is guilt producing for people who struggle reading or who find parts of the Bible dull or who have a busy life and anything more than a verse in a devotional book is difficult to do.

Then we have the reality that there are parts of Scripture that are a chore to read. They are hard to understand. They demand focus and effort. That doesn’t mean your fire has gone out—it might just mean you’re normal.

In fact, it might mean you’re growing.

Discipline, Not Just Emotion

Reading the Bible is a spiritual discipline. That word—discipline—implies something that takes effort, not just emotion. Our flesh resists it. The world distracts us from it. But out of love for Jesus and a desire to follow Him, we show up anyway. 

And that’s exactly what maturity looks like: showing up, even when the feelings aren’t there.

Think about other areas of your life. Doing the dishes isn’t thrilling, but you do it because you love your family. Folding laundry doesn’t light your soul on fire, but it’s an act of care. Likewise, opening your Bible when it feels hard or dry is an act of devotion. It’s a quiet “yes” to Jesus. It’s faith expressed through perseverance.

If anything, reading the Bible when it feels like a chore might be one of the clearest signs that your love for Jesus is real. Because you’re not doing it for a spiritual high. You’re doing it because He’s worth it.

Faith Isn’t Just a Feeling

One of the biggest traps we fall into is evaluating our faith based on how we feel. But faith is revealed not just by emotion—it’s revealed by action. Your commitment to read, study, and meditate on Scripture, even when it’s tough, is a beautiful expression of love and trust. Feelings matter, but they’re not the foundation. Obedience is.

This doesn’t mean Bible reading should always feel like a chore. There will be times when the words leap off the page and speak directly to your heart. But when those moments don’t come, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you’re in a different part of the journey.

Remember: The Bible Was Written For Us, Not To Us

Part of what makes Scripture challenging is that it wasn’t originally written to us. It was written to people in a particular time, place, language, and culture. That means we have to work to understand it. 

Some passages don’t translate easily. 

Some metaphors don’t land clearly.

 But that doesn’t make them irrelevant—it just means they require effort.

Studying the Bible takes patience, humility, and the help of the Holy Spirit. It also helps to use resources—study Bibles, commentaries, and small groups—that bridge the gap between our world and the world of the text. That’s not unspiritual—that’s faithful study.

Fire Is Good, But Faithfulness Is Better

So let’s stop guilting people for struggling with spiritual disciplines. Let’s stop acting like feelings are the only evidence of faith. 

Let’s celebrate the quiet, faithful decisions people make each day to follow Jesus—even when it’s hard.

Fire is good. But faithfulness is better.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever felt guilty for not enjoying Bible reading? Where does that pressure come from?
2. What helps you stay committed to Scripture when your emotions aren’t cooperating?
3. How can you encourage others who feel stuck or discouraged in their spiritual disciplines?

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