Month 8 - Work as Worship | Week 2: The Labor of Love

Month 8 - Work as Worship | Week 2: The Labor of Love

Anchor Scripture “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23–24 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203%3A23-24&version=ESV] Last week, we explored The Sacred 9-to-5 and discovered that work was part of God’s design before sin entered the world. Work isn’t a punishment. It’s not something we just endure until retirement. Work is one of God’s gifts to humanity and one of the primary ways we participate in His ongoing care and cultivation of creation. So this week, we take the next step. If work itself is sacred, then our motivation for work matters. The same task can either become an act of worship or simply another obligation, depending on the heart behind it. Two people can sit at the same desk, perform the same role, and produce similar results while being driven by entirely different purposes. The world often asks questions such as: What do I get out of this? How much does it pay? How quickly can I advance? Scripture directs us toward a far more important question: Who are you working for? The answer to that question has the power to transform every meeting, every responsibility, every difficult season, and every ordinary day. So this week will be covering: The Context of Colossians The Challenge of Loving Difficult People The Towel and the Basin Love as a Witness Reflection Questions Practical Action Steps The Context of Colossians When Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians, he wasn’t addressing a gathering of pastors, missionaries, or church leaders. He was writing to ordinary believers living ordinary lives. Some were merchants. Some were laborers. Some managed households. Some held positions of authority while others occupied the lowest levels of society. Yet Paul gives all of them the same instruction: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.” That phrase is remarkably comprehensive. Paul doesn’t separate life into spiritual and secular categories. He doesn’t suggest that some work matters to God while other work is merely a practical necessity. Instead, he assumes that every legitimate vocation can become an arena for faithful discipleship. This is important, because a lot of Christians unconsciously adopt the idea that God is more interested in what happens on Sunday than what happens on Monday. We might assume He pays greater attention to sermons than spreadsheets, worship services than construction sites, mission trips than management meetings. Scripture strongly pushes against that kind of mindset. The God who created the heavens and the earth is interested in all of life. The teacher shaping young minds, the mechanic repairing vehicles, the nurse caring for patients, the entrepreneur building a company, and the parent managing a household all have opportunities to honor God through their work. Paul’s instruction reminds us that our occupation may vary, but our calling remains the same: faithfully serve God wherever He has placed us. This doesn’t mean every job becomes enjoyable. It doesn’t mean every workplace becomes healthy. Nor does it mean every believer will find deep fulfillment in every role they occupy. What it does mean, however, is that our work gains a purpose larger than ourselves. A teacher serves Christ by faithfully serving students. A parent serves Christ by faithfully caring for children. A manager serves Christ by faithfully leading people. A tradesman serves Christ through honest and excellent craftsmanship. The task may differ, but the audience of one remains the same. This is why Christian work can never be reduced to merely earning a living. Through our labor, we are ultimately serving the One who first served us. The Challenge of Loving Difficult People If serving Christ sounds inspiring in theory, the workplace quickly reminds us how difficult it can be in practice. One of the primary reasons, unfortunately, is often: People. Few things reveal the condition of our hearts more quickly than difficult relationships. A demanding customer. A critical manager. A coworker who continually frustrates us. An employee who refuses to take responsibility. A colleague who receives credit for work they did not do. Most of us naturally believe we are patient, gracious, and forgiving until circumstances require us to demonstrate those qualities. This is why Jesus’ words in Luke 6 are so challenging. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” - Luke 6:27-28 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206%3A27-28&version=ESV] These commands are among the most radical teachings in all of Scripture because they overturn the natural instincts of the human heart. The world operates according to reciprocity. We are kind to those who are kind to us. We help those who help us. We give respect when we receive it. Jesus points His followers toward something entirely different. “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” - Luke 6:32 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206%3A32&version=ESV] Kingdom love is different because it reflects the character of God Himself. God loved us while we were still sinners. Christ died for us while we were still His enemies. The gospel begins with God extending grace to people who had done nothing to deserve it. The workplace often becomes one of the primary places where we learn to apply that truth. Difficult people expose pride we did not know existed. They reveal impatience hidden beneath the surface. They uncover resentment, self-righteousness, and selfish ambition, and God often uses these relationships as tools of sanctification. The coworker who frustrates you may not be just an obstacle to endure. They may be one of the instruments God is using to shape you into the likeness of Christ. This doesn’t eliminate the need for boundaries, accountability, or wisdom. Scripture doesn’t ask believers to celebrate unhealthy behavior. But it does call us to respond differently. The Christian’s character is not determined by how others behave. It is determined by whose image they are being conformed to. The Towel and the Basin Few moments in Scripture reveal the heart of Christian work more clearly than the scene recorded in John 13. The setting and timeframe here make the account all the more remarkable. Jesus is approaching the final hours before His crucifixion. He knows where the road ahead leads. He knows betrayal is already in motion. He knows unfathomable suffering awaits Him. John also tells us that Jesus knew: “The Father had given all things into his hands” - John 13:3. [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013%3A3&version=ESV] In other words, Jesus was fully aware of who He was, the ultimate authority, the power, and the glory he held. He could have called down an army of angels that would wipe the earth clean at any moment. What follows is therefore not an act of willing weakness but an act of deliberate restrained strength. Rather than demanding service, Jesus begins to serve. He rises from the table, lays aside His outer garments, wraps a towel around His waist, pours water into a basin, and begins washing the feet of His disciples. To modern readers, it can be difficult to feel the full weight of that moment. Foot washing was not an honoured responsibility. It was one of the lowest tasks in the household, reserved for servants. The roads in this region during the first century were dusty, feet were exposed to the elements, and this work would have been, to say the least, unpleasant. Yet here is Jesus, with all the power and authority in the universe, the Son of God, kneeling before creation, before His disciples, and performing the work no one else wanted to do. John wants us to see the contrast. The One through whom all things were made now kneels before those He created. The Teacher serves His students. The Master serves His servants. The King takes the place of the lowest servant in the room. In many ways, this scene turns the values of the world upside down. Human beings naturally associate greatness with status, authority, recognition, and influence. We assume that as people rise in importance, they move further away from service and closer to being served. Yet Jesus presents an entirely different vision of greatness. In His kingdom, greatness is not measured by how many people serve you but by how willing you are to serve others. This is the mystery of His upside-down Kingdom. This isn’t merely a lesson in humility. It is a revelation of God’s character. The cross was still ahead, but the towel and basin were already pointing toward it. Just as Jesus would soon give His life for the salvation of others, He first gives us a living picture of sacrificial love through ordinary service. The basin becomes a preview of Calvary. Perhaps this posture of kneeling anticipates the sacrifice that was to come. After He finishes washing their feet, Jesus says to His disciples, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” - John 13:15 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013%3A15&version=ESV]. His words extend far beyond that upper room to you today, sat or stood here listening or reading. They reach into every area of your life, including your work. The challenge for believers isn’t simply whether we work hard or perform well. The deeper question is whether we approach our work with the posture of Christ. Do we view our gifts, responsibilities, opportunities, and influence primarily as tools for personal advancement or as opportunities to serve others? Do we seek recognition, or do we seek faithfulness? Do we ask what our work can provide for us, or what God might accomplish through us for the good of others? The example of Jesus reminds us that Christian work is ultimately shaped by service. Whether we lead a company, manage a team, raise children, teach students, serve customers, or labor quietly behind the scenes, we follow a Savior who took a towel and a basin before He took a crown. A labor of love begins, when we learn to do the same. Love as a Witness The account of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet doesn’t end with the basin and the towel. A few verses later, Jesus gives what is now known as the new commandment: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you.” - John 13:34 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013%3A34&version=ESV] Then He adds these remarkable words: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:35 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013%3A35&version=ESV] Notice what Jesus identifies as the defining mark of His followers. Not knowledge. Not influence. Not success. Not accomplishment. Love. The connection between the foot washing and this command is intentional. Jesus doesn’t just teach love. He demonstrates it. Love in Scripture isn’t necessarily just a feeling. It is a posture of sacrificial service. It is the willingness to place the good of another ahead of personal convenience, comfort, or recognition. Love is a deliberate choice. This has profound implications for our work. You may be reading this, thinking of workplace witness primarily in terms of evangelistic conversations. While there are certainly opportunities to share the gospel verbally, our witness often begins long before we speak. People observe how we handle pressure. They notice how we treat those who can offer us nothing in return. They see how we respond when things go wrong. They watch how we speak about others when they are not present. They observe whether our faith genuinely influences our conduct. For many of us, the workplace represents the largest mission field we will ever enter. It is where we spend most of our waking hours and interact with people from countless backgrounds and beliefs. And often the most powerful testimony is not found in a formal presentation, a debate, or a persuasive, quirky argument. It’s found in a life that increasingly resembles Christ. A life marked by patience. By humility. By integrity. By service. A life marked by love. Reflection Questions How does Ephesians 6 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206&version=ESV] change the way I view my daily work? What difficult relationship in my workplace might God be using to shape my character? What does the example of Jesus washing feet teach me about leadership and service? In what ways does my conduct strengthen or weaken my witness for Christ? How can I intentionally make my work a labor of love this week? Practical Action Steps This week, identify one person in your workplace who is difficult to love and intentionally pray for them each day. I suspect that the Lord will reveal to you more about your own perception of what “hard to love” actually means and why you feel that way. Look for one opportunity to serve someone without seeking recognition in return. Finally, before beginning work each morning, remind yourself of Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:7 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206%3A7&version=ESV]: “Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.” Let that truth shape how you approach every task, conversation, and responsibility throughout the week. Listen THIS IS THE MAIN EVENT – Joshua Luke Smith Let this power you through the week, through your prayer, through your work, through your interactions with those God has given you. Next Week Month 8 | Week 3: Ambassadors at Work Anchor Scripture “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” - 2 Corinthians 5:20 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205%3A20&version=ESV] Over the past two weeks, we have discussed that work is sacred and that love should shape the way we approach it. Yet Scripture pushes the conversation even further. The Christian is not just a worker who happens to follow Jesus. According to the Apostle Paul, we are ambassadors. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul writes: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” - 2 Corinthians 5:20 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205%3A20&version=ESV] An ambassador lives in one nation while representing another. They carry the authority, values, priorities, and message of the kingdom that sent them. This raises important questions. What does it mean to represent Christ in environments that may not share our beliefs? How do we remain faithful when the values of God’s Kingdom conflict with the values of the culture around us? What does it look like to balance conviction with grace, truth with humility, and courage with wisdom? And how can ordinary believers faithfully represent Jesus without becoming self-righteous, argumentative, or withdrawn? Next week, we will explore what it means to live as citizens of Heaven while working on earth, and how God uses ordinary workplaces as outposts of His Kingdom. Closing Prayer Father, Thank You for the work You have entrusted to us and for the opportunities it provides to serve others. Help us remember that our ultimate service is offered to Christ. Teach us to work faithfully, not merely for recognition or reward, but out of love for You and love for those around us. Give us patience with difficult people, humility in positions of influence, and hearts that are willing to serve as Jesus served. May our work reflect the character of Christ and become a witness to the transforming power of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s run the race - Eyes Up, Chin Up! Grace and peace, Sam Johnston Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@EnvoyDiscipleship] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3zHbixG1akUBw9p6RJT4KY?si=b95ef77caf8b4684]| Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/envoydiscipleship/] | Free Christ Focused Business Course [https://sam-johnston-s-school1.teachable.com/p/building-a-business-with-a-christian-kingdom-mindset?] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christfocused.substack.com [https://christfocused.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Month 8 - Work as Worship | Week 1: The Sacred 9-to-5

Month 8 - Work as Worship | Week 1: The Sacred 9-to-5 Anchor Scripture “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”- Colossians 3:23 ESV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203%3A23&version=ESV] Humanity was created as worshipping stewards, not merely worshippers who happen to work. This week we’ll explore: God’s original design for work. Why stewardship is one of humanity’s first callings. How Jesus viewed ordinary work. A biblical 4-step framework for evaluating your career and responsibilities. Practical ways to honor Christ through your daily work. The Sacred 9-to-5 For many people newly walking as disciples, work and faith can occupy separate categories. Activities such as church attendance, prayer, Bible study, and evangelism are easily recognized as spiritual pursuits. Work, however, often feels different. Meetings, budgets, construction projects, classrooms, customer calls, sales targets, spreadsheets, performance reviews, emails, and project plans can seem disconnected from what we typically think of as ministry. Especially if we are still surrounded by the secular world in our day-to-day lives, in contrast to our Christian community. It can be quite a jarring mental hurdle to get over if we don’t face it head-on. I empathise with those who have to spend the majority of their waking hours in environments where God is rarely considered, despite our sincere desire to follow Him. Without realizing it, we can begin to view our jobs as something to endure so that we can eventually return to the things that truly matter spiritually. Scripture presents a clarifying vision for us. God never intended work to be separate from worship. In fact, one of the first truths we discover about humanity from scripture is that we were created with meaningful responsibility. Work was never designed to compete with our spiritual lives. Rather, it is one of the primary arenas in which our spiritual lives are expressed. When viewed through a biblical lens, work becomes more than a means of earning a living. It becomes an opportunity to glorify God, serve others, and faithfully steward the gifts and responsibilities He has entrusted to us. Humanity’s First Calling You may be reading this, having never considered these concepts before, or just getting a refresh on it, and perhaps you are assuming that work in and of itself began as a consequence of sin. After all, work can be difficult, frustrating, and exhausting. Below, we have some scriptural clarity on this. Work existed before the Fall. Long before sin entered the world, God was working. The opening chapters of Genesis reveal a Creator who builds, orders, designs, forms, and brings life out of chaos. Then God creates humanity in His image. What happens next is significant. Adam wasn’t created and then left to discover his purpose. He was created with a purpose already attached to his identity. Before there was sin, suffering, or death, there was responsibility and accountability. Genesis 1:28 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201%3A28&version=ESV] records God’s first commission to humanity: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion...” Humanity was entrusted with a Holy mission. God’s intention was not for Adam to simply exist passively within creation; it was to cultivate it, steward it, and extend God’s order throughout it. Genesis 2 provides even greater detail: “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”- Genesis 2:15 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%202%3A15&version=ESV] The language used here is richer with meaning than we first might think. Adam was called to cultivate what God had entrusted to him, to guard it, steward it, and develop its potential. Later, he would name the animals, exercising discernment, responsibility, and leadership. The very first human being was given meaningful work before sin ever entered the world. This truth should fundamentally change how we view our own position on the earth, within the Kingdom, and what God expects of our work. Work isn’t just a way to pay bills. It’s not a distraction from spiritual life, nor is it something God tolerates until we can return to the “real ministry” activity. Meaningful work was part of God’s original design for humanity, and the meaningful element in our modern lives isn’t just the role or job title; it is what our Father would have us do within the garden he has given us to tend. Sin corrupted work, but it didn’t create it. The frustrations we experience in our jobs reflect the effects of the Fall. The existence of work itself reflects the wisdom and intention of God. Jesus and Ordinary Work This new perspective on work becomes even more powerful when we consider the life and example of Jesus on the topic. The Gospels record approximately three years of public ministry. Before that were roughly thirty years of ordinary life. For most of His earthly existence, Jesus wasn’t preaching to crowds, performing miracles, or traveling throughout Israel. He was working, learning, building, serving, and faithfully fulfilling everyday responsibilities. God could have chosen for His Son to spend His entire earthly life in public ministry. Instead, He ordained that most of Jesus’ life would unfold in the context of ordinary work and everyday patterns of life. That fact alone should reshape how we think about the value of our mundane vocations. Jesus is commonly known to have been a Carpenter; some make the case he was a stone mason. From my research, he could have been both. The original Greek word used in the Gospels is “tekton”, which translates broadly to “builder,” “craftsman,” or “artisan”, and a lot of the craft in the region at the time utilized stone. It’s an interesting topic, but the medium is less important than the description of the role: “builder,” “craftsman,” and “artisan”. Why did Jesus choose this profession? Likely because it was the work of his earthly Father Joseph. “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary...?” - Mark 6:3 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%206%3A3&version=ESV] “Is not this the carpenter’s son?” - Matthew 13:55 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013%3A55&version=ESV] God is not absent from ordinary work. Jesus spent most of His earthly life there. The life of Christ reminds us that faithfulness in ordinary responsibilities matters deeply to God. The years Jesus spent working were not wasted years. They were part of His Father’s plan. Likewise, our daily responsibilities are not interruptions to God’s purposes. They are often the very places where His purposes are being worked out. Spiritual Vs Regular Jobs Throughout the Bible, God works through people in a wide variety of professions and roles. Daniel served God in government. Joseph served God through economic leadership. Nehemiah served God in civil administration. Lydia served God through business. Luke served God as a physician. Paul served God as a tentmaker. Their occupations differed, but their calling was the same: to honor God wherever He had placed them. Their workplaces became environments where God’s wisdom, integrity, and character were displayed. The issue was never whether their jobs were sacred. The issue was whether they belonged to God and were willing to serve Him faithfully. When a believer enters the workplace, that workplace becomes a mission field, a stewardship, and an opportunity for worship. This doesn’t mean every conversation has to become a sermon or every meeting a Bible study, or that worship music has to play as you enter every room like some WWE character. Rather, it means that our work itself can become an expression of obedience to Christ. Through excellence, integrity, service, humility, and faithfulness, we demonstrate the reality of God’s transforming work in our lives. A Biblical Framework for Work If work is part of God’s design, how do we ensure our professional lives remain aligned with Scripture? The following four questions provide a practical framework for evaluating our work through a biblical lens. What Has God Entrusted To Me? Who Am I Ultimately Working For? How Does My Work Serve Others? Does My Work Reflect God’s Character? 1. What Has God Entrusted To Me? Adam’s first responsibility was stewardship. Everything belonged to God. Adam simply managed what had been entrusted to him. The same principle applies to us today. Our careers, opportunities, skills, influence, resources, teams, and responsibilities are not ultimately our own. They have been entrusted to us by God. The Christian professional should regularly ask: “What has God placed under my care?” And then: “Am I stewarding it faithfully?” A biblical view of work begins with stewardship rather than ownership. We recognize that every opportunity is a gift and every responsibility is a trust. When we adopt this perspective, our attitude toward work changes. We become less focused on personal entitlement and more focused on faithful management. We begin to see our responsibilities not as burdens but as opportunities to honor God. 2. Who Am I Ultimately Working For? We have bills to pay, and, understandably, the primary focus for our work may just be for a salary; our goals may be for a certain promotion, recognition, or approval from people within work or outside of it. And while these motivations are understandable, Scripture redirects our focus toward a higher purpose. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”- Colossians 3:23 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203%3A23&version=ESV] Managers matter. Customers matter. Employers matter. But above all of them stands Christ. The Christian does not ultimately work for a company, organization, or supervisor. The Christian works for the Lord. This perspective transforms even the most ordinary tasks. Work that might otherwise feel insignificant becomes meaningful when offered as an act of worship. Excellence is no longer dependent on whether someone is watching. Integrity is no longer determined by whether we might get caught; the outcomes of how we live and work begin to have impacts on those around us as they experience the Kingdom through us. When Christ becomes our ultimate audience, faithfulness becomes our primary goal. 3. How Does My Work Serve Others? Jesus consistently connected greatness with service. “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”- Mark 10:43 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2010%3A43&version=ESV] Every legitimate profession exists because it serves people in some way. Teachers serve students. Doctors serve patients. Builders serve communities. Business owners serve customers. Managers serve teams. Engineers solve problems. Parents raise and nurture children. Work becomes more meaningful when we stop asking, “What can I get from this?” and begin asking, “Who can I serve through this?” This shift in perspective reflects the heart of Christ. Rather than viewing work solely as a means of personal advancement, we begin to see it as an opportunity to contribute to the flourishing of others. The Christian workplace mindset is fundamentally others-focused because it reflects the servant-hearted character of Jesus. 4. Does My Work Reflect God’s Character? As image-bearers of God, our work should increasingly reflect who He is, to the point where secular coworkers may even question why this person is different. That is a powerful form of evangelism, conversion through the evidence of another’s steadfastness, proximity, and relationship to Christ is powerful. This means demonstrating integrity when compromise would be easier, excellence when mediocrity would suffice, humility when pride is rewarded, truth when deception appears profitable, faithfulness when shortcuts are available, and generosity when selfishness feels natural. The workplace can offer the pressurized environments that reveal our discipleship more clearly than solely church attendance ever would. That is in itself a blessing. How we lead, handle pressure, respond to criticism, treat difficult people, and conduct ourselves when no one is watching all reveal something about the condition of our hearts. Our character is tested daily in the ordinary moments of work. These moments provide opportunities to reflect God’s nature to those around us. When believers consistently display Christlike character in the workplace, they become powerful witnesses to the transforming power of the gospel. Redefining Success The world typically measures success through titles, influence, income, recognition, and wordly achievement. Scripture points us toward something deeper: faithfulness. "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much."- Matthew 25:21 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025%3A21%20&version=ESV] One day, every believer will stand before Christ. The primary question will not be, “How impressive was your career?” Rather, it will be, “Were you faithful with what I entrusted to you?”. Faithful leaders. Faithful employees. Faithful entrepreneurs. Faithful parents. Faithful servants. The kingdom of God is built by ordinary people faithfully stewarding ordinary responsibilities for an extraordinary King. This means that success is available to every believer regardless of position, salary, or status. Biblical success is not measured by fame, visibility, or worldly accomplishment. It is measured by faithfulness. I’ll stop saying the word faithfulness now… you get the picture. But, that truth is both humbling and liberating. We don’t need to achieve greatness in the eyes of the world to be successful in the eyes of God. We simply need to be faithful where He has placed us. Practical Application This Week Set aside 15 mins this week to reflect prayerfully on the following questions: What has God entrusted to me? Who am I ultimately working for? How does my work serve others? Does my work reflect God’s character? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one area where your work life has become disconnected from your discipleship. Then choose one practical action to take this week: Begin each workday with prayer. Perform one hidden act of excellence that no one else may notice. Encourage a colleague who needs support. Refuse a compromise of integrity, even if it comes at a cost. View a difficult assignment as an opportunity to serve Christ. Thank God for the responsibilities He has entrusted to you. Small acts of faithfulness, practiced consistently over time, will transform the way we view our work and deepen our awareness of God’s presence in our daily responsibilities. Next Week Month 8 | Week 2: The Labor of Love Anchor Scripture “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.”- Hebrews 6:10 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%206%3A10&version=ESV] Most work isn’t glamorous in the worldly sense of the word. Much of life is built through ordinary acts of faithfulness that few people notice, and even fewer celebrate. But Scripture repeatedly teaches that some of the most meaningful work in God’s Kingdom is often the work that receives the least recognition. Next week, we’ll explore what it means to actually labor out of love rather than ambition, recognition, or reward. We will get into the tactical day-to-day. We’ll examine why perseverance matters, and how believers can continue serving Christ joyfully even when their work feels difficult, repetitive, or unnoticed. Together, we will discover why no act of faithful service is ever wasted in the Kingdom of God. Closing Prayer Father, Thank You for creating us with purpose and responsibility. Thank You that our work is not separate from our worship but is one of the ways we reflect Your image in the world. Help us become faithful stewards of everything You have entrusted to us. Teach us to work with integrity, excellence, humility, and a heart of service. May our workplaces become places where Your character is displayed and Your kingdom is reflected. Remind us daily that we ultimately work for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s run the race - Eyes Up, Chin Up! Grace and peace, Sam Johnston Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ChristFocusedNetwork] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3zHbixG1akUBw9p6RJT4KY?si=b4dcb21644a348b5]| Instagram [http://instagram.com/christfocussed] | Free Christ Focused Business Course [https://sam-johnston-s-school1.teachable.com/p/building-a-business-with-a-christian-kingdom-mindset?] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christfocused.substack.com [https://christfocused.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Month 7 - Parenthood & Friendships | Week 4: Iron Sharpens Iron

Month 7 - Parenthood & Friendships | Week 4: Iron Sharpens Iron Anchor Scripture “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”- Proverbs 27:17 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027%3A17&version=ESV] ESV Iron Sharpens Iron Most people want encouragement.Far fewer want sharpening, and some days we may want it less than others. Most of us naturally gravitate toward relationships that comfort us, affirm us, and make life easier. But we need to be watchful because scripture presents some of God’s deepest work in our lives happening through people who challenge, refine, correct, and strengthen us. Proverbs 27:17 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027%3A17&version=ESV] says: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” It’s a striking image if you think about it for a moment. Iron doesn’t sharpen iron through distance. It sharpens through contact. Through friction. Through pressure. In the same way, spiritual maturity is often forged through at times - challenging, but faithful relationships. A godly friend may expose pride we can’t see. A mentor may confront complacency. A brother or sister may lovingly challenge compromise before it hardens into destruction. Many believers desire growth while resisting the very environments God uses to produce it. We want wisdom without correction.Strength without testing.Depth without vulnerability.Maturity without refinement. But throughout scripture, God forms His people through relationships marked by both truth and love. Truth delivered lovingly. Not people who merely admire us. But people who help shape us into the image of Christ. That is real love in action. JESUS DIDN’T ONLY COMFORT PEOPLE Sometimes we can fall into the selfindlugent trap of only emphasizing the comforting side of Jesus without the other side of his sword, unfortunatley neglecting the refining elements of His ministry. The simple fact is that Jesus consistently sharpened those closest to Him. He challenged Peter’s pride. Corrected the disciples’ ambition. Confronted unbelief. Exposed hypocrisy. Rebuked fear. Called people into costly obedience. Jesus loved people too deeply to leave them unchanged. Even His strongest words, often came toward His closest followers. Think of Peter. One moment, Jesus blesses him for recognizing Christ as Messiah.Moments later, Jesus rebukes him sharply: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”- Matthew 16:23 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2016%3A23&version=ESV] ESV This wasn’t cruelty.It was a loving correction. Jesus understood that unchecked compromise, pride, and worldly thinking would eventually damage Peter’s calling. Faithful sharpening protects future fruitfulness. Hebrews 12 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012&version=ESV] reminds us that discipline feels painful in the moment but later produces righteousness. God’s correction is not rejection.It is evidence of His fatherly love. Jesus uses another powerful image in John 15 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015&version=ESV]: “Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” Pruning is not punishment.It is preparation for greater fruitfulness. And often, part of God’s pruning work happens through people. A difficult conversation.A loving correction.A mentor’s challenge.A trusted friend exposing compromise. These things may feel uncomfortable in the moment, but they often become defining moments of transformation later. Many future failures could be avoided if believers welcomed sharpening earlier. THE DANGER OF A CHRISTIANITY THAT NEVER CHALLENGES US One of the dangers of our mostly comfortable modern lives is that we increasingly surround ourselves willingly with voices that affirm us but rarely confront us. But we are also surounded by voices we perhaps aren’t choosing as well. Algorithms reinforce our preferences.Social media rewards image management over spiritual growth. The digital world slowly creates a silo around us, feeding us what keeps us distracted and comfortable, what appeases our desires, what fuels our dopamine addictions, and ultimately leaving us numb to the outside world, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Comfort becomes a guiding value for our future goals. But as we have discussed here today, biblical formation happens through challenge. So we should be sure to seek it. Proverbs 27:6 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027%3A6&version=ESV] says: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” That is a deeply countercultural verse. Scripture teaches us here that faithful friendship sometimes wounds in order to provide stronger healing. Flattery may feel good temporarily, but it may be quietly feeding destruction. A godly friend is willing to risk awkwardness for your spiritual good. A godly friend would rather you feel offended than have you face the consequences of bad decisions and actions. But many of us unfortunately avoid relationships where we may be challenged, because correction does indeed feel uncomfortable. And I am sure you can look back at your own life, and see that some of the most dangerous seasons you have experienced spiritually, were the seasons where nobody questioned you, and perhaps those you were surounded with actually supported the downfall. Pride grows best when it is left unchallenged. THE GIFT OF CONFRONTATION NATHAN AND DAVID A great example of biblical sharpening is found in 2 Samuel 12 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2012&version=ESV]. After David’s sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, the prophet Nathan confronts him directly. David was king.Powerful.Respected.Untouchable in the eyes of many. But Nathan feared God more than man. He confronted David with the truth. And through that painful confrontation, David was brought to repentance. Psalm 51 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=ESV] emerges from this season as one of scripture’s deepest prayers of repentance. Imagine if Nathan had remained silent. Silence would have been easier. Safer. Less uncomfortable. But silence would not have been loving. Faithful people tell the truth even when it costs them something. PAUL CONFRONTS PETER Galatians 2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%202&version=ESV] records another remarkable moment of this kind of godly Love. Peter begins withdrawing from Gentile believers out of fear of criticism from the crowd and others. Paul publicly confronts him because Peter’s behavior was compromising the truth of the gospel. This is astonishing when you think about it. Peter was a pillar of the early church.Yet even Peter required correction. No believer outgrows the need for sharpening. Maturity is not the absence of correction.Maturity is the willingness to receive it humbly. A proud heart resists refinement.A humble heart welcomes it. SHARPENING REQUIRES HUMILITY Many modern relationships are built on mutual admiration rather than mutual sanctification. We prefer being celebrated over being sharpened. But discipleship is not primarily about finding people who make us feel impressive.It is about walking with people who help us become holy. David had Jonathan.Timothy had Paul.The disciples had one another. The New Testament vision of friendship is deeply spiritual. Biblical friendship involves: encouragement honesty correction burden-bearing accountability endurance truth-telling prayer restoration A real friend doesn’t just protect your image.A real friend helps guard your soul. This doesn’t mean harshness or condemnation. Galatians 6:1 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206%3A1&version=ESV] says: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” Biblical sharpening is restorative, not destructive. Truth without love crushes people.Love without truth weakens people. Godly relationships require both. A PERSONAL REFLECTION Who in your life can truly challenge you? Not just encourage you.Not just admire you.Not just agree with you. Who can lovingly confront you when needed?Who asks difficult questions?Who refuses to let you drift? And perhaps just as importantly: Who are you sharpening? Who are you helping toward holiness?Who are you strengthening?Who are you restoring gently?Who are you challenging in love? Christian maturity is not passive consumption.It is active participation in the formation of others. PRACTICAL STEPS THIS WEEK 1. Invite honest feedback Ask a trusted believer:“Where do you see blind spots in my life?” Then listen humbly. 2. Stop confusing discomfort with harm Not every uncomfortable conversation is toxic. Sometimes discomfort is part of growth. 3. Learn to correct gently Sharpening is not aggression. Pray before difficult conversations.Speak with humility.Aim for restoration, not superiority. 4. Pursue relationships with spiritual depth Do not settle for shallow Christian friendship built only around shared interests or casual encouragement. Pursue relationships rooted in truth, prayer, holiness, and mutual growth. 5. Welcome God’s pruning work Do not despise conviction.Do not run from correction. God disciplines those He loves. Next Week Month 8, Week 1: Sacred 9-to-5 Anchor Scripture “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” - Colossians 3:23 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203%3A23&version=ESV] ESV For many believers, faith feels deeply connected to church, family, and personal devotion, yet disconnected from Monday morning. But scripture presents a radically different vision. Work is not a distraction from God’s purposes. It is one of the primary places where we live them out. Next week we will explore how God designed work before the Fall, how our daily labor can become an act of worship, and what it means to serve Christ faithfully in our workplaces, businesses, professions, and vocations. Closing Prayer Father, Thank You for the people You place in our lives to encourage, challenge, and sharpen us toward Christ. Give us humble hearts that welcome correction, wisdom to speak truth in love, and courage to walk honestly with one another. Protect us from pride, isolation, and spiritual complacency. Help us become people who strengthen others, pursue holiness together, and reflect the character of Jesus in our relationships. May Your refining work continue in us, making us more like Christ each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s run the race - Eyes Up, Chin Up! Grace and peace, Sam Johnston Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ChristFocusedNetwork] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3zHbixG1akUBw9p6RJT4KY?si=b4dcb21644a348b5]| Instagram [http://instagram.com/christfocussed] | Christ Focused Business Course [https://sam-johnston-s-school1.teachable.com/p/building-a-business-with-a-christian-kingdom-mindset?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKUNyRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp4eQwuYGqxqjuOyaw0nS1E35pe83C0OLfjHiSjt77Msok92LPzYZiys_zCV8_aem_Tx3aZRDzPnwINRuIEnPzuA] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christfocused.substack.com [https://christfocused.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Month 7 - Parenthood & Friendships | Week 3: Band of Believers

Month 7 - Parenthood & Friendships | Week 3: Band of Believers Anchor Scripture “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow… And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him, a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”- Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes%204%3A9-12&version=ESV] ESV Band of Believers Two questions to kick us off and prime the conversation this week: Who are the believers helping sharpen your life right now? And who are you intentionally strengthening in return? One of the great lies of our modern culture is that maturity means independence. To need less. To rely less. To detach. To become self-sufficient. We live in a culture where individualism is King. But the Christian life, set apart from western culture, was never designed as an isolated pursuit. The Kingdom of God is deeply communal. From Genesis to Revelation, God forms a people, not just individuals. A family, not lone-wolf converts. A body, not separate spiritual consumers. Even Jesus, the perfect Son of God, gathered disciples around Him. He walked with them. Ate with them. Corrected them. Prayed with them. Sent them together. The New Testament assumes shared life. “Bear one another’s burdens.” - Galatians 6:2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%206%3A2&version=ESV] “Confess your sins to one another.” - James 5:16 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%205%3A16&version=ESV] “Encourage one another daily.” - Hebrews 3:13 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%203%3A13&version=ESV] “Admonish one another.” - Romans 15:14 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2015%3A14&version=ESV] “Love one another.” - John 13:34 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013%3A34&version=ESV] The repeated phrase throughout the New Testament is not just “believe”, but “one another”. Biblical friendship is not casual social overlap. It’s covenantal companionship in pursuit of Christ. In many ways, modern loneliness exists not because people lack interaction, but because they lack spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood and a good comprehension of what that means. We have followers without accountability. Connections without vulnerability. Entertainment without discipleship. Crowds without deep fellowship. But thankfully, scripture paints a very different picture of spiritual community. Acts 2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202&version=ESV] describes believers who: devoted themselves to teaching - Acts 2:42–47 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A42%E2%80%9347&version=ESV] shared meals together - Acts 2:42–47 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A42%E2%80%9347&version=ESV] prayed together - Acts 2:42–47 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A42%E2%80%9347&version=ESV] carried one another’s burdens - Acts 2:45 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A45&version=ESV] worshiped together - Acts 2:44 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A44&version=ESV] shared resources - Acts 2:44 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A44&version=ESV] lived with glad and generous hearts - Acts 2:46 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A46&version=ESV] The early church was not built primarily around events. It was built around a shared life centered on Christ. Iron Sharpens Iron “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” - Proverbs 27:17 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027%3A17&version=ESV]ESV Sharpening is not always comfortable. True biblical friendship is not merely affirming. It is refining. A godly friend: encourages you toward holiness confronts compromise lovingly strengthens you in weakness reminds you of truth when emotions distort reality calls out hidden pride celebrates faithfulness over image helps carry burdens points you back to Christ repeatedly This is radically different from much of the modern friendship culture. Many relationships today are built around convenience, entertainment, networking, or personal benefit. Biblical friendship is rooted in sanctification. A true Christian brother or sister doesn’t simply help you feel supported. They help you become more like Jesus. That means there are moments where encouragement is needed. And moments where loving correction is needed. Hebrews warns us: “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” - Hebrews 3:13 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%203%3A13&version=ESV] ESV Notice the seriousness of this. Isolation often accelerates spiritual drift. Sin thrives in secrecy. Pride grows in isolation. Bitterness deepens in silence. Temptation will also strengthen where there isn’t any accountability. The enemy frequently attacks believers not first through open rebellion, but through gradual isolation. Disconnection. Withdrawal. General distance from biblical community. Because disconnected believers - become vulnerable believers. Jesus & Friendship I’ve personally heard Christians speak as though friendship is secondary to the interactions they are having within the body of Christ. But Jesus Himself demonstrates the depth and beauty of spiritual friendship for us clearly. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” - John 15:13–15 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015%3A13%E2%80%9315%20&version=ESV] ESV Jesus invited His disciples into closeness. Not just interaction and instruction. Not merely authority. Relationship. And within the disciples themselves, we even see layers of relational and situational closeness. Peter, James, and John walked with Jesus in moments others didn’t. The Garden of Gethsemane. The Mount of Transfiguration. Moments of deep grief and revelation. This doesn’t mean we should form cliques or exclusivity. It simply acknowledges a biblical reality: Depth requires intentionality. Not every relationship can or will carry equal depth. But every believer needs meaningful spiritual relationships. People who know: your struggles your blind spots your calling your weaknesses your patterns your burdens your spiritual condition Many people know our public image. The one they see on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram. Or the mask we put on every Sunday. Few know our actual soul. Friendship in an Exhausted Age Modern life often works against deep community. Schedules are overloaded. Phones fragment attention. People move cities and regions frequently. We become isolated nomads. Digital interaction replaces embodied presence. Even churches can, unfortunately, become highly attended - but relationally shallow. And we know from scripture that spiritual formation rarely happens at depth through occasional attendance alone. Discipleship requires proximity. Time. Shared rhythms. Consistency. This is why meals matter. Conversations matter. Serving together matters. Prayer together matters. Showing up repeatedly matters. Small, faithful rhythms build strong spiritual relationships over time. The church isn’t merely a weekly event to consume. It is a spiritual family to participate within. I’m not sorry if that challenges you, but I am glad that if it did, you are beginning to rethink where your priorities have been amidst your weekly schedule. Jonathan & David One of Scripture’s most profound examples of covenant friendship is found in Jonathan and David. “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” - 1 Samuel 18:1 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2018%3A1&version=ESV] ESV. Their friendship was built upon loyalty, sacrifice, and covenant faithfulness. Jonathan strengthened David when David was hunted. Protected him. Encouraged him. Remained faithful even when it cost him personally. True friendship often carries that same thread of sacrifice. Biblical friendship is not transactional. It is steadfast. It is covenantal. Shallow networking or situational relationships, nomadic existences away from the body of Christ, won’t fully satisfy the human soul. We were created for covenantal community. Practical Questions Consider honestly this week: Who truly knows your spiritual condition? Who has permission to correct you? Who do you regularly pray with? Who are you strengthening spiritually? Are your closest relationships pulling you toward Christ or away from Him? Have you confused being socially connected with being spiritually known? Are you isolated beneath a busy schedule? Many believers desire deep friendship while resisting the vulnerability required for it. Genuine Christian community requires openness. Humility. Availability. Commitment. Not perfection. Christ & the Greater Brotherhood Ultimately, Christian friendship exists because Christ first brought us into the family of God. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” - Ephesians 2:19 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%202%3A19&version=ESV] ESV As we have alluded to here today, the church isn’t a collection of spiritual consumers. It is a redeemed people. A household. A body. A family. And within that family, God often strengthens us through faithful brothers and sisters who help us endure, mature, repent, heal, persevere, and continue walking toward Jesus. The Christian life was never designed to be walked alone. Building a Band of Believers Healthy biblical friendships that we are building here, they rarely appear accidentally. They are cultivated intentionally. Invested in and worked for. Here are some practical ways to strengthen your spiritual community, and to help you get started. I fully appreciate how daunting it can be, how loud the enemy’s voice can be, how vulnerable it can be to put yourself out there: Invite believers into your home Share meals consistently Pray together openly Join smaller discipleship environments Serve alongside other believers Reach out before isolation deepens Speak honestly instead of performatively Confess struggles before they become crises Encourage intentionally Pursue reconciliation quickly Here were the key words there: Invite - Share - Pray - Join - Serve - Reach - Speak - Confess - Encourage - Pursue Often, the strongest Christian friendships are built slowly through ordinary faithfulness. Repeated conversations. Shared burdens. Years of prayer. Mutual service. Depth is formed over time. Through shared struggle, and ultimately, through unity in Christ. This Week’s Practice This week, if you are looking for some way to start on this journey, some step to take, you could begin by trying to intentionally deepen one spiritual relationship. Invite someone to coffee or dinner Pray openly with another believer Reach out to someone who may be isolated Ask a trusted believer an honest spiritual question Encourage someone specifically with Scripture Small acts of intentional community often become the foundation for lifelong spiritual strengthening. So go for it! Watch - Listen - Read Watch How to Build Christian Communities? - Doug Wilson The Christian Family - Alistair Begg Why It’s Important to Have Good Friendships - Fr. Mike Schmitz Listen In the seems | Seth Snider Dancing in the kitchen | Andy Squyres Resting in the Lord | Jacob Early Read Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Link [https://www.google.com/books/edition/Life_Together/ZlwXLoF5pYoC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Life+Together+by+Dietrich+Bonhoeffer&printsec=frontcover] The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley - Link [https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Common_Rule/FIJ9EAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=the+common+rule+by+justin+whitmel+earley&printsec=frontcover] What Does the Bible Actually Say About Church Fellowship? The Challenge of Sharing in Community - Link [https://bibleproject.com/articles/fellowship-of-the-church-in-the-bible/] Next Week Month 7, Week 4: Iron Sharpens Iron Next week we will explore how biblical friendship shapes character, endurance, accountability, and long-term discipleship. Anchor Scripture “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” - Proverbs 13:20 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2013%3A20&version=ESV] ESV Closing Prayer Father, Thank you for not calling us to walk alone. Thank You for the gift of Your Church, Your people, and faithful friendships that strengthen us toward Christ. Help us become believers who encourage truthfully, love sacrificially, listen humbly, and walk faithfully alongside others. Protect us from isolation, hiddenness, pride, and shallow living. Teach us to build relationships rooted in Your presence and Your Word. Give us courage to be known honestly. Give us wisdom to sharpen others gently and faithfully. And help us become the kind of people who strengthen the Church around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s run the race - Eyes Up, Chin Up! Grace and peace, Sam Johnston Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ChristFocusedNetwork] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3zHbixG1akUBw9p6RJT4KY?si=b4dcb21644a348b5]| Instagram [http://instagram.com/christfocussed] | Christ Focused Business Course [https://sam-johnston-s-school1.teachable.com/p/building-a-business-with-a-christian-kingdom-mindset?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKUNyRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp4eQwuYGqxqjuOyaw0nS1E35pe83C0OLfjHiSjt77Msok92LPzYZiys_zCV8_aem_Tx3aZRDzPnwINRuIEnPzuA] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christfocused.substack.com [https://christfocused.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Month 7 - Parenthood & Friendships | Week 2: Faith at the Dinner Table

Month 7 - Parenthood & Friendships | Week 2: Faith at the Dinner Table Anchor Scripture “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”- Deuteronomy 6:6−7 ESV [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206%3A6-7&version=ESV] Faith at the Dinner Table One of the great misunderstandings of modern Christianity is the assumption that spiritual formation can be outsourced to pastors and Sunday school teachers, that family spiritual growth primarily happens outside of the home, perhaps in church buildings. Biblically - it does not. The synagogue mattered. The temple mattered. Church matters today. Corporate worship mattered and matters deeply today. But the primary environment of discipleship throughout Scripture was actually the household. The home was where theology became embodied.Where worship became visible.Where children learned not merely doctrines, but patterns of life.Where faith moved from abstraction into imitation. This is why Scripture repeatedly places enormous theological weight upon ordinary rhythms of life, the beautiful mundane of daily life. Meals. Hospitality. Fathers blessing children. Mothers teaching wisdom. Shared prayers. Sabbath rhythms. The telling and retelling of God’s acts. Modern Christians often fall into the default of thinking formation happens mainly through information transfer. We live in the age of information, and increasing ease of access to it can make us complacent in utilizing it. Biblical formation happens through immersion. The home immerses people into a way of seeing reality, seeing The Father’s reality, and how life can be lived with him. And the dinner table… well that becomes one of the central liturgies of that formation. It is the beating heart and rhythm of the home. The Biblical Theology of the Table Throughout Scripture, tables aren’t merely functional. They are theological spaces. In the ancient East, to eat with someone implied fellowship, peace, trust, covenantal association, and ultimately - belonging. This is why table fellowship becomes such a major theme across the biblical narrative. In the Old Testament Israel’s feasts weren’t random celebrations. They were covenant rehearsals. Passover was not merely a remembrance. It was participatory remembrance. The family gathered at the table to retell the story of deliverance: “We were slaves.” “God rescued us.” “This meal reminds us who we are.” Notice how profoundly intergenerational this was as well. The meal itself became catechesis. Children would ask questions. Parents would answer through story, theology, and remembrance. The table was therefore educational, spiritual, relational, and covenantal simultaneously. This pattern is embedded directly into Deuteronomy 6. The Meaning of “Teach Them Diligently” The Hebrew phrase translated “teach them diligently” carries a sense of repetition, sharpening, engraving, or impressing deeply. The image is not occasional instruction. It is repeated formation. God is commanding Israel not merely to transfer religious data, but to impress divine truth into the imagination and consciousness of the next generation through continual integration into everyday rhythms of life. This is why the text says: “When you sit in your house…” “When you walk by the way…” “When you lie down…” “When you rise…” The assumption is not that faith occasionally interrupts life. The assumption is that faith interprets life, that it is the rhythm of life. The household in this context becomes a theological ecosystem of its own. A home and family built on the rock. The New Testament and the Table When we move into the ministry of Jesus, the table becomes even more significant. Jesus consistently teaches, restores, confronts, and reveals Himself around meals and around tables. The Gospel of Luke especially presents Christ as frequently either: going to a table for a meal, at a table for a meal, or leaving a table for a meal. This is not accidental. Meals reveal kingdom realities. At tables: sinners are welcomed, status barriers collapse, grace is demonstrated, forgiveness is embodied, truth is spoken, and community is restored. The table becomes a visible sign of the Kingdom of God. This reaches its climax in: the Last Supper, the post-resurrection meals, and ultimately the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Christianity is profoundly communal and incarnational. God doesn’t just save isolated individuals and lone wolves. He creates a people, a body. And shared meals become one of the recurring signs of that covenantal belonging. The Home as a Liturgical Space Modern homes often associate “liturgy” with formal church traditions - things that happen outside of the home. But liturgy simply refers to repeated practices that shape desire, identity, and imagination. And if we are honest here - every home already has liturgies. The question is not whether your household is being formed. The question is what is forming it. The nightly scroll. The television always on. The fragmented eating patterns. The distracted conversation. The emotionally absent father. The exhausted mother. The constant busyness. All of these form homes and form people. Secular modernity catechizes families constantly. Consumerism forms desires. Technology fragments attention. Entertainment reshapes imagination. Individualism weakens communal identity. The Christian household therefore, requires intentional counter-formation. Not through legalism. But through deliberate rhythms of presence, and purposeful honoring of the scriptural guidance on how we build the rhythms of our family life. The dinner table becomes one of the few remaining spaces where modern families can resist fragmentation and practice attentiveness. Why the Table Matters Spiritually 1. The table slows the soul Formation requires attention. Most modern life trains distraction. But meals force pause. People sit. Look at one another. Listen. Reflect. Share. This creates space for spiritual attentiveness. 2. The table creates memory Many of the deepest memories we carry are meal-centered. Why? Because repeated embodied rhythms shape identity deeply. This is why Israel repeatedly tied remembrance to meals. Memory stabilizes identity. Families who intentionally gather create emotional and spiritual anchors. 3. The table models embodied Christianity Children especially learn theology through observation before articulation. The old “Do as I say, not as I do.” won’t build a foundation for your children. They notice: how conflict is handled, whether parents apologize, whether gratitude is sincere, whether prayer is performative or real, whether Scripture affects behavior, whether Christ is central or merely referenced. Long before children can articulate doctrine, they are interpreting embodied witness. The dinner table becomes one of the clearest windows into lived theology. The Crisis of Presence One of the great modern western obstacles we face is not necessarily hostility toward Christianity. It is distraction. Many homes are physically together while emotionally and spiritually absent. Technology has introduced unprecedented informational connection, matched with relational fragmentation. Theologically, this matters deeply because Christianity is incarnational. God does not save humanity through abstract information alone. “The Word became flesh.” Presence matters because God Himself ministers through presence. Parents therefore disciple not only through instruction, but through availability and real presence. The ministry of attention is increasingly sacred in distracted cultures. Practical Formation at the Table This doesn’t require turning every meal into a seminary lecture. In fact, forced spirituality often produces resistance rather than formation. The goal is integration, not performance. Implementing Practical Rhythms Practice gratitude Gratitude reorients the heart away from entitlement. Repeated thanksgiving trains people to interpret reality through gift rather than scarcity. Ask interpretive questions Instead of merely exchanging information: “What happened today?” Ask formation-oriented questions to those you are discipling: “Where did you experience grace today?” “What challenged your faith today?” “Did you have an opportunity to love someone?” “What are you anxious about right now?” This teaches theological reflection. Normalize confession Healthy homes create safety for repentance. Parents leading by example and apologizing to each other and their children is deeply formative. It demonstrates: humility, accountability, grace, and the reality of sanctification. Pray specifically Generic prayer often becomes ritualistic. Specific prayer based on real family situations based on the here and now, teaches dependence upon God in actual life. A Word to Parents Take off the pressure. You aren’t called to create a perfect household. You are called to cultivate a faithful one. The aim is not polished spirituality. It is sincere, repeated orientation toward Christ. Children don’t need flawless parents. They need repentant ones. They need homes where: grace is visible, Scripture is normal, prayer is practiced, forgiveness is real, and Christ is not merely discussed but followed. Reflection Questions What liturgies currently shape your household most strongly? Does your home cultivate attentiveness or distraction? What does your dinner table currently communicate about what matters most? Are we intentionally forming disciples, or passively absorbing culture? What one rhythm could we begin this week that would move our household toward deeper spiritual presence? This Week’s Practice Choose two meals this week where: phones remain away, gratitude is practiced, one meaningful question is asked, and one intentional prayer is offered. Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for attentiveness. Small repeated practices form families and form people over time. Closing Prayer Father,Teach us to recover the sacredness of ordinary faithfulness. Help our homes become places where Your presence is known naturally and consistently. Give us wisdom to disciple through both word and example. Slow our distracted hearts. Teach us to listen well, speak truthfully, forgive quickly, and give thanks continually. Let our tables become places of peace, formation, hospitality, and remembrance. Form our households into communities shaped by Christ rather than by the pressures of the world. In Jesus’ Holy name, amen. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s run the race - Eyes Up, Chin Up! Grace and peace, Sam Johnston Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@ChristFocusedNetwork] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/3zHbixG1akUBw9p6RJT4KY?si=b4dcb21644a348b5]| Instagram [http://instagram.com/christfocussed] | Christ Focused Business Course [https://sam-johnston-s-school1.teachable.com/p/building-a-business-with-a-christian-kingdom-mindset?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKUNyRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp4eQwuYGqxqjuOyaw0nS1E35pe83C0OLfjHiSjt77Msok92LPzYZiys_zCV8_aem_Tx3aZRDzPnwINRuIEnPzuA] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christfocused.substack.com [https://christfocused.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]