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.

Loving First Within the Family of God

Hebrews 6:10–12 (NLT)

For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and patience.

The heartbeat of the Christian life is love. Jesus said the world would recognize His disciples by the way we love one another (John 13:35). Love is what sets us apart and makes the church a light in a dark and hurting world.

In this passage, the writer of Hebrews highlights an important truth: we show our love for God by caring for other believers. That may sound surprising—shouldn’t we love everyone equally? Doesn’t God love the whole world?

Yes, God loves the world and desires all people to be saved. But Scripture makes it clear that His love for the church is unique. We are His children, His people, the bride of Christ. Just as a mother loves her own children differently than she loves her students, or a husband loves his wife in a way he doesn’t love his friends, God’s love for His people has a depth and intimacy unlike any other.

And because of that, we are called to love one another first. This isn’t favoritism—it’s family. When the church loves itself well, it becomes a place of belonging for those who are searching for hope. A world filled with rejection and heartache is desperate to see a community where grace, forgiveness, and genuine care are lived out. Loving each other doesn’t shut the world out; it makes the gospel more beautiful to those looking in.

Loving one another also shapes us spiritually. Sermons and studies are important, but deep transformation happens in community. As we serve, forgive, and share life with fellow believers, God forms His heart within us. Our desires begin to align with His. We grow in patience, faith, and passion for the things that matter most.

The great men and women of faith weren’t set apart because of knowledge alone, but because they desired what God desired. They were willing to sacrifice for His purposes because His heart had become their own.

If we want to become the people God created us to be, we must start here: loving one another in the family of God. From that love, our hearts expand to embrace the world around us. And as we do, we reflect the God who loved us first.

Let the Difference Be Jesus

The Call to Be Different

In her devotional You’re the Voice: 40 More Days with God, Christian artist Rebecca St. James poses a question that cuts to the heart: “Do people know we’re Christians by our actions and lifestyles?” She challenges us to consider whether our lives radiate the love, joy, purpose, and hope that come only from knowing Jesus. More importantly, she asks, “What does God see when He peers into our hearts?” Her prayer is that He finds a bold declaration: God reigns here.

The idea of being different can feel daunting. It means standing out in a world that often demands conformity. It means swimming against the cultural current, risking discomfort, and sometimes even rejection. Most of us naturally crave acceptance, blending in to avoid the awkwardness of being noticed for our faith. Yet, Jesus calls us to a life that is unmistakably distinct—not for the sake of being odd, but for the sake of reflecting Him.

The Temptation to Blend In

If we’re honest, many of us live lives that don’t look much different from the world around us. We engage with the same social media, consume the same entertainment, and pursue the same ambitions as everyone else. Our faith can become a private, compartmentalized part of life—reserved for Sunday services or personal devotions but absent from our daily habits and decisions.

Too often, we’re willing to follow Jesus as long as it doesn’t cost us too much. As long as it doesn’t make things awkward. As long as we don’t stand out. But God doesn’t call us to blend in. He calls us to be transformed, to live in a way that others can’t help but notice something different—a peace, a joy, a love that points to Jesus.

This isn’t about superficial differences or being intentionally provocative. It’s about a heart surrendered to Christ, allowing His lordship to shape every area of our lives—our words, choices, relationships, and priorities. It’s about living as citizens of another Kingdom.

The Danger of Compromise

We often talk about “finding God’s will,” but the harder task is living it. Too many of us ask, “How close can I get to the world’s edge without crossing the line?” This mindset leads us to flirt with compromise, rationalizing behaviors that dull our witness. Instead of pursuing holiness, we settle for a faith that’s comfortable but indistinct.

The apostle Peter offers a countercultural vision in 1 Peter 2:11–12 (NIV):

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

Peter reminds us that being different isn’t just about personal holiness—it’s about God’s mission in the world. When we live too close to the culture’s edge, we risk being pulled in by sinful desires that quietly erode our souls and our testimony. But when we choose to live distinctly, our lives become a living testimony of God’s grace, planting seeds that may one day lead others to glorify Him.

Living as Foreigners in 2025

So, what does it look like to live as “foreigners and exiles” in 2025? It’s not about grand gestures but about faithful, everyday choices that reflect Christ. It might mean curating your social media to share hope and truth rather than fear or division. It could mean choosing kindness in heated conversations or prioritizing face-to-face relationships over endless scrolling. It might look like standing firm in your convictions when you feel alone or serving others when it’s inconvenient.

These small acts carry eternal weight. They declare, God reigns here.

The Challenge: Let the Difference Be Jesus

Here’s the challenge: Live as a foreigner. Live as someone who belongs to God’s Kingdom. Let your life be a bold, unmistakable reflection of Jesus.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Does my daily life reveal that I follow Christ?
• Am I seeking God’s will, or am I settling for what’s comfortable?
• Is there something noticeably different about me that draws others to Him?

Being different isn’t easy, but it’s what we’re called to. It’s not about perfection but about progress—a daily surrender to Christ’s transforming work in us. When we live this way, the world notices. And when they see the difference, they see Jesus.

Let’s commit to living distinctly. Let the difference in us be Jesus.

Contrasting Lifestyles: Living by the Spirit

One of the defining characteristics of a follower of Jesus is being led by the Holy Spirit. A Spirit-led person will live differently from someone driven by the flesh. If there’s no noticeable difference between our lives and the lives of those who don’t follow Jesus, something is wrong. We may not be truly living under the Spirit’s guidance.

To understand what motivates us, we need to be able to recognize the difference between a life driven by the flesh and a life directed by the Spirit. The apostle Paul helps us do this by describing the “fruit” produced by each way of living.

In Galatians 5:19–21 (CSB), Paul lists the obvious works of the flesh:

sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar.

Then he gives a sobering warning—those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But Paul doesn’t leave us there. He goes on to describe the fruit of a Spirit-led life:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, CSB)

There is no law that stands against these things, because they reflect God’s character and His desires for His people. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, Paul says, we should keep in step with the Spirit—avoiding conceit, provoking one another, and envy.

When Paul calls the works of the flesh “obvious,” he means they clearly oppose the law of love Jesus gave His followers. Instead of putting others first, the flesh focuses inward. It seeks what we want, when we want it, without regard for God or others.

This is why examining our motivations matters. Are we acting out of self-interest, or out of a desire to honor God and serve others? Our natural instinct is to choose ourselves. Sacrifice does not come easily, and without the Spirit’s help, we drift toward selfishness.

The Spirit’s Fruit (vv. 22–23)

When we are led by the Spirit, Paul says, “there is no law against such things.” The Spirit becomes our compass, guiding us into God’s will. The fruit of the Spirit isn’t a checklist—it’s the evidence of a life shaped by God.

When love fills our actions, when peace rules our hearts, when kindness flows out of us—these are signs that the Spirit is at work. A Spirit-led life looks radically different from a life centered on self.

So ask yourself:

• Can you describe your life using these qualities?
• Are you motivated by love for others?
• Do you experience joy and peace?
• Are patience and kindness growing in you?

A Spirit-led life will produce Spirit-shaped fruit.

Walking by the Spirit (vv. 24–26)

Paul reminds us that those who belong to Jesus have crucified the flesh. Through Christ, the power of sinful desires has been broken—but we must continually surrender to Him. Without surrender, we lack the strength to resist the flesh, and the Spirit’s voice becomes increasingly faint.

The walk of the Spirit begins with surrender.

Consider these questions:

• Have you surrendered to Jesus?
• Are you more committed to God’s will than your own desires?
• Are you willing to remove distractions so you can hear the Spirit clearly?

There should be a clear contrast between the lives of Jesus’ followers and the world around them. Not because we are more disciplined or morally strong, but because we are committed to being led by the Spirit. As we surrender to His guidance, the Spirit leads us away from the passions of the flesh and toward the life God created us to live.

Point to Ponder:

Is the fruit of the Spirit increasingly visible in your life?

Question to Consider:

What is one area where you need to surrender more fully to the Spirit today?

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

Joy That Remains

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

— John 15:11 (NLT)

We often confuse joy with happiness. Happiness is fragile because it depends on circumstances. It comes and goes with the rise and fall of our comfort, our success, or our sense of security. When life goes our way, we’re happy. When it doesn’t, happiness quickly fades.

Joy, however, is something entirely different. It runs deeper than emotion. Joy doesn’t come from what’s happening around us, but from who is living within us. It’s a gift from God, rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

When Jesus spoke the words recorded in John 15, He was preparing His disciples for sorrow and confusion. The cross was coming. Their world would soon fall apart. Yet, right there in the middle of that looming darkness, Jesus spoke about joy—His joy. “I have told you these things,” He said, “so that you will be filled with my joy.”

That’s an incredible promise. The joy Jesus gives isn’t something we have to create or maintain by our own effort. It’s something He places within us through His Spirit. It’s His joy shared with us—the same joy that sustained Him through the cross, the same joy that flows from His unbroken relationship with the Father.

In other words, Christian joy doesn’t ignore pain or pretend everything is fine. Instead, it faces hardship honestly but with confidence that God is still good, still faithful, and still at work. Joy remembers that the story isn’t over yet. It trusts that resurrection always follows the cross.

 That’s why Nehemiah could tell God’s people, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10, NLT). When we are weary and uncertain, joy gives us strength to keep going. When fear rises, joy reminds us of God’s unchanging presence. When hope feels small, joy rekindles the flame.

The Apostle Paul echoed this same truth in his letter to the Thessalonian church:

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NLT)

Paul’s words remind us that joy isn’t something we wait to feel—it’s something we practice. He invites us to cultivate three habits that sustain joy: 

• Always be joyful — Choose to rest in God’s goodness even when life is hard. 
• Never stop praying — Keep your heart connected to the Source of joy. 
• Be thankful in all circumstances — Remember that God’s grace is still present, even in the struggle. 

These three practices—joy, prayer, and gratitude—work together to keep our hearts strong in every season. They’re not about ignoring reality; they’re about remembering that God is greater than what we face.

Lately, I’ve been reminded of this truth a lot. I know people who are dealing with health issues and others who are facing end of life realities. I know of people who are facing financial difficulties and others who walking through job losses. There are many people I am connected to whose future feels uncertain. It would be easy to let fear or discouragement take over. But in moments like these, God invites us to return to His joy—the kind that doesn’t depend on the economy, circumstances, or control, but on Christ’s faithful presence.

When we stay close to Jesus, His joy becomes our strength. When we pray together, give thanks together, and care for one another, His joy fills our hearts and reminds us that we are not alone.

True joy remains because Christ remains. And because He remains, we can face tomorrow with confidence and peace.


Prayer:

Father, thank You for the joy that never fades, even when life feels uncertain. Help us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance. Teach us to remain in Jesus, to draw our strength from His presence, and to trust that You are working for our good. Fill us with Your peace and renew our joy today. Amen.

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 That Help Me Beat the Winter Blues

As the days get shorter and the sun seems to disappear behind gray skies, I can feel my energy dip. The winter months often bring what’s called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a mix of low mood, fatigue, and sluggishness that hits when sunlight is scarce.

For many years, the months of November through February have been a dark time for me. That’s why I’ve become intentional about developing practices that help me live with more hope and joy, even in these shadowed months.

This year, as I’ve focused on managing my depression (it still comes and goes), I’ve discovered a few habits that have made a real difference in keeping my mind and heart steady through life’s ups and downs. Some are backed by science; others simply work for me. As we head into winter, here are seven habits that help me stay grounded and joyful.

5 Habits to Consider

1. Getting at Least 10,000 Steps a Day

When it’s cold and dark, it’s easy to stay inside — but moving my body makes a huge difference. Research shows that regular walking boosts mood, lowers stress, and helps regulate sleep. Research also shows these benefits start showing up with 4,000 steps. It is more about getting our bodies moving than the actual number of steps.

The decisions to get Teddy, our family dog, has really benefited me because he gives me a reason to get outside and walk, even on the coldest days. But if the weather’s too harsh, a walk on the treadmill or a few laps around the block still carries the same benefits.

2. Taking a Daily Pause for Prayer and Mindfulness

I use the One Minute Pause App to stop, breathe, and reconnect with God. Those short pauses reorient my spirit and help me reset when the day feels heavy.

Science shows that even a few minutes of mindful prayer can lower anxiety and restore focus — and I’ve definitely experienced that. I’ve also used the guided prayers on the YouVersion Bible App. Whatever tool you use, the goal is to slow down and become aware of God’s presence again.

3. Listening to Music Instead of Podcasts

Music has a way of reaching the soul that words alone can’t.

We live in a time of information overload, constantly drawn to all the great content available at our fingertips. I realized I was drowning in that information, and my mind was becoming overwhelmed. When I unintentionally began listening to more music and fewer podcasts, I found that my heart began to rest again — and my thoughts turned more easily toward God. 

I’ve also found that the type of music matters. This summer, after noticing how much music was helping me, I decided to listen to some 80s tunes — but instead of lifting my mood, they made me feel melancholy. Now I still sneak a few of those songs into my rotation, but most of what I listen to is worship, classical, and Irish/Celtic music. As part of my daily rhythm, I take a Pause and then sing along with three worship songs. That simple practice helps my focus return to God and His kingdom.

Studies show that music reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and activates parts of the brain connected to joy — a simple but powerful way to fight the grayness of winter.

4. Focusing on Protein (150–200 Grams a Day)

Good nutrition affects more than just energy — it impacts mental health, too. Getting enough protein supports neurotransmitters that regulate mood and motivation.

When I hit my protein goals, I stay more alert and less prone to the afternoon crash. And since I feel fuller throughout the day, I’m far less likely to snack mindlessly or binge eat at night.

Along with prioritizing protein, I’ve started adding creatine to my morning shake. While I don’t have hard evidence from my own experience, research suggests that creatine can support mental clarity and focus by helping the brain produce energy more efficiently. Studies have shown small but measurable improvements in memory and attention with regular supplementation. So while my results are anecdotal, the science seems to back up what I’ve noticed.

5. Returning to Pen and Paper for Writing

When I write by hand, I slow down enough to think and pray through what’s going on inside me. I’ve especially rediscovered this during sermon preparation — breaking down a passage and taking notes by hand helps me process truth more deeply.

Research shows that journaling can reduce stress and improve clarity, but for me, it’s more than that — it’s a form of prayer. Writing helps me bring my thoughts before God, which is one of the reasons I started Paul’s Ponderings in the first place.

2 Things I Want to Improve

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 sleep is essential. Quality rest restores both body and mind and helps regulate the emotions that can so easily drift out of balance in the darker months.

An Act of Stewardship

As the season changes, I’m reminded that caring for our mental health is a form of stewardship — tending to the body and mind God has given us. It’s also a crucial part of discipleship. We cannot grow into maturity as followers of King Jesus if we remain chained by the weight of depression or neglect the care of our whole selves.

Incorporating spiritual disciplines into our daily habits reminds me that the physical, mental, and spiritual all work together to make us who we are.

What helps you stay grounded and joyful during the long winter months?

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