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April 10, 2025 39 mins

Achieving a “balanced life” is a prevalent concept in our current age, but is it simply a mirage?

In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, challenges this modern obsession with balance and productivity by inviting us to consider a more radical framework: a life wholly devoted to God. Rooted in the call of the Shema from Deuteronomy, this conversation explores how prioritizing God above all else redefines every area of life—not as competing compartments, but as parts of a whole aligned with divine purpose.

Through personal reflections, biblical narratives, and thoughtful theology, join us for this discussion as Dr. Spencer weaves together insights from Augustine’s idea of “reordering loves” with the metaphor of a Russian nesting doll to illustrate how all our loves, responsibilities, and pursuits must fit within our love for God.

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or spiritually unmoored by the pressures of modern life, this episode may assist you in rethinking the way you pursue purpose, satisfaction, and faithfulness. Get ready to unpack the myths of balance and rediscover what it means to live with God at the center of our lives.

 

(00:00) Living a Life of Devotion
(14:08) Total Devotion to God
(27:21) Reordering Loves and Attention to God

 

For more information on PREPPED, and to enroll in our online seminary level learning courses, please visit and follow us at:

Website:
preppedforseminary.com and www.usefultogod.com 
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UsefulToGod
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/usefultogodministries/ 
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https://x.com/usefultogod 

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