In a world where medical advancements provide solutions for countless ailments, it has become all too common to default to medication as the first line of defense against physical and mental health struggles. While there are certainly legitimate medical conditions that require pharmaceutical intervention—thank God for modern medicine and the ability to diagnose and treat serious health issues—many of the difficulties we face could first be addressed by examining and refining our daily habits.

Consider for a moment that your fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, or sluggishness might not be rooted in an underlying disease, but rather in the choices you make on a daily basis. Our culture often seeks quick fixes, opting for prescriptions when, in many cases, the root problem is a lifestyle that is out of balance. Before masking symptoms with external solutions, why not first take control of the aspects of your life that you can change?

A good starting point is how we manage our time and attention. The prevalence of screens—phones, televisions, tablets, and gaming consoles—has significantly impacted sleep quality and mental clarity. Turning off screens at least two hours before bed can drastically improve restfulness and cognitive function. Similarly, engaging in more face-to-face conversations fosters deeper human connection, reduces stress, and reinforces emotional resilience. We were designed for community, and investing in meaningful relationships provides the accountability and support we often lack when navigating personal struggles.

Another often overlooked factor is the role of discipline in shaping our well-being. Setting goals, maintaining structure, and prioritizing daily tasks create a sense of purpose and stability. When our lives lack order, our minds tend to mirror that chaos. Establishing clear routines—including getting sufficient sleep, setting aside time for reading and learning, and engaging in physical activity—contributes to overall mental and physical health. Rather than depending on artificial stimulants to get through the day, intentional lifestyle choices such as proper rest and mindful movement can naturally enhance energy and focus.

Nutrition also plays a vital role in mental and physical function. Many of the foods that dominate modern diets—high in saturated fats, refined sugars, and empty carbohydrates—are counterproductive to optimal health. Preparing meals with natural ingredients and balancing macronutrients can make a remarkable difference in energy levels, mood stability, and cognitive clarity. Instead of reaching for processed convenience foods, taking the time to nourish the body properly is an investment in long-term wellness.

Movement is another key component of health that is often neglected. Our bodies were designed for activity, yet many of us lead sedentary lifestyles that contribute to feelings of lethargy and weakness. Walking, stretching, lifting, and engaging in regular physical exertion supports not only physical strength but also mental clarity and emotional regulation. If daily routines don’t naturally incorporate movement, it is essential to be intentional about adding activity—whether through structured exercise, outdoor activities, or active hobbies.

To be clear, there are genuine medical conditions that require professional treatment, and no one should feel shame in seeking necessary care. However, the goal is to be discerning, to evaluate our habits honestly, and to ask whether our struggles stem from avoidable lifestyle choices. Before turning to medication, consider first making intentional adjustments. Small but consistent changes—better sleep, healthier food choices, meaningful relationships, structured discipline, and physical movement—can have a profound impact on overall well-being.

God has given us incredible bodies and minds, designed to function optimally when cared for properly. Before seeking external solutions, take the time to steward well the life and health He has entrusted to you. You may be surprised at how much can change when you focus on what you can control.

Too often, the approach to discipleship is framed as an effort to delicately integrate Jesus into someone’s life, as though He is an accessory meant to enhance a fundamentally broken and unsatisfactory existence. This perspective reduces Jesus to a supplement, carefully folded into pre-existing frameworks rather than seen as the transformative force that He truly is. Such an approach raises a critical question: how can this approach align with the transformative nature of Christ’s mission?

Jesus’ own description of discipleship leaves no room for ambiguity or half-measures. His words are stark and uncompromising: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his symbol of humble sacrifice (death), and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, ESV). These words articulate a paradigm of discipleship that is anything but casual. It is a call to complete reorientation—a renunciation of self and a wholehearted embrace of a life defined by sacrificial obedience.

The invitation to follow Christ is not an offer of convenience or superficial enhancement. It is, instead, a summons to radical transformation. Discipleship demands a relinquishing of self-interest, an intentional taking up of the cross, and a steadfast commitment to conform one’s life to the way of Christ. It is a process that involves the dismantling of old patterns and priorities, making way for a new life built entirely on the foundation of Christ’s sufficiency and grace.

Authentic discipleship requires an honest confrontation with the brokenness inherent in human lives—both our own and those we guide. It is not about merely applying a veneer of religious observance to address surface-level issues. Instead, it is a recognition that Jesus offers more than a remedy for symptoms; He provides the very foundation for a life redeemed and restored. The abundant life that Christ promises emerges not through the preservation of personal comforts but through the surrender of self and the embracing of His call to sacrificial love and service.

To dilute the radical nature of Jesus’ call by softening its demands undermines the transformative power of the gospel. Discipleship is not a process of gradual accommodation to Christ’s teachings; it is an all-encompassing redefinition of identity and purpose. The challenge, therefore, is to faithfully communicate and embody this reality in our efforts to disciple others.

Let us resist the temptation to domesticate the gospel for the sake of comfort or accessibility. Instead, let us embrace the profound and transformative power of Jesus’ invitation—a call that invites us to lay down our old ways and enter into the fullness of life that only He can provide. In doing so, we honor not only the radical message of Christ but also the transformative potential of His grace in the lives of those we disciple.

“Powerful forces have a vested interest in our believing the myth (and it is a myth) that we are following no one at all. Many of the cultural liturgies that indoctrinate us daily—’Be true to yourself,’ ‘You do you,’ ‘Speak your truth’—can be traced back to sources with a nefarious agenda.

Any skilled con artist knows the key to deceiving your mark is to get them to believe your scheme was their idea. Translation: The key to getting people to follow you is to convince them they aren’t following anyone at all.

For those of us who desire to follow Jesus, here is the reality we must turn and face: If we’re not being intentionally formed by Jesus himself, then it’s highly likely we are being unintentionally formed by someone or something else.”

— John Mark Comer

Cultural Liturgies and Hidden Influences

These cultural liturgies are not merely coincidental trends but carefully crafted messages designed to appeal to our intrinsic desire for autonomy and self-determination. They exploit our human inclination to resist authority while simultaneously promoting a framework that subtly installs alternative influences in place of the ones we consciously reject. By championing slogans of self-empowerment, these forces obscure the reality of our constant formation by external factors. The very act of believing that we are “free agents” often blinds us to the mechanisms shaping our identity and values.

A fundamental principle of manipulation, well understood by skilled con artists, is the ability to deceive by making the mark believe that the scheme is their own idea. In other words, the most effective form of control occurs when individuals are convinced they are not being controlled at all. This principle underscores a critical aspect of human behavior: we are all being formed, whether or not we realize it. The narratives we consume, the habits we cultivate, and the cultural practices we engage in act as subtle yet powerful forces shaping our understanding of reality.

The Call to Intentional Discipleship

For those who seek to follow Jesus, this reality carries profound implications. If we are not being intentionally and actively shaped by the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, we are almost certainly being shaped unintentionally by external cultural forces, societal expectations, or media influences. Formation is inevitable; what varies is the source and direction of that formation. Even the most passive engagement with culture results in some degree of spiritual and ideological shaping, often leading us further from the transformative power of Christ.

This observation challenges us to critically examine the influences shaping our lives. Are we consciously aligning ourselves with the transformative power of Christ, or are we passively conforming to cultural narratives that often prioritize self-interest and consumerism? The process of discipleship is never neutral; it is always active. The question is not whether we are being discipled but rather who or what is doing the discipling. While cultural mantras may appeal to our desire for self-definition, they often mask the deeper influence of ideologies and institutions that subtly reorient our lives away from God’s purposes.

Surrendering to Christ’s Transformative Power

To follow Jesus requires a deliberate choice to reject passive formation and instead pursue intentional spiritual growth. This means aligning our hearts, minds, and behaviors with His teachings, allowing His presence to guide and transform us. It demands vigilance against the subtle yet pervasive forces seeking to draw our focus away from Him and toward transient, self-centered ideals. Intentional discipleship is an ongoing process of choosing Jesus over competing narratives, one that requires consistent engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the community of faith.

The formative power of Jesus’s teachings lies not only in their moral directives but in their capacity to reorient our affections and desires. As we immerse ourselves in His Word and seek His presence, we begin to see how our identity is reshaped to reflect His character. This process of sanctification involves both a rejection of the false narratives of autonomy and an embrace of the freedom found in surrender to Christ. True freedom is not found in the absence of influence but in the presence of a loving Savior who guides and transforms us.

Living in Freedom Through Discipleship

Ultimately, this is more than a cautionary reflection; it is a theological call to action. Recognizing the inevitability of formation compels us to actively choose Christ as the source of our transformation. In doing so, we resist the cultural forces that seek to define us and instead embrace the redemptive and renewing work of God. Through intentional discipleship, we can move beyond the influence of deceptive narratives and fully participate in the life-changing work of Christ’s kingdom.

Examining Our Daily Rhythms

Furthermore, this call to intentional formation challenges us to examine the rhythms of our daily lives. What habits are we cultivating, and what narratives are we reinforcing through those habits? Are we allowing the Word of God to shape our perspectives, or are we passively absorbing the values promoted by culture? The practice of spiritual disciplines—such as meditative prayer, communal worship, and acts of service—serves as a counter-liturgy to the pervasive cultural messages that prioritize self over others and autonomy over surrender.

The Role of Community in Formation

The act of discipleship also requires communal accountability. The church, as the body of Christ, provides a space for mutual encouragement, correction, and growth. Within this community, believers can challenge one another to resist cultural conformity and instead pursue lives marked by love, humility, and obedience to God. The church acts as a collective witness to the transformative power of intentional formation, offering a tangible expression of God’s kingdom in a world that often feels fragmented and self-serving.

Final Thoughts

As we navigate this tension between cultural influence and Christ-centered formation, it is essential to remember that the transformative work of discipleship is a gradual process. There will be moments of struggle and failure, but these are not signs of defeat—they are opportunities for deeper dependence on God’s grace. The journey of following Jesus is one of continual renewal, as the Holy Spirit works within us to align our hearts and minds with God’s purposes.

In conclusion, the myth of radical independence is one of the most pervasive deceptions of our age. Recognizing this myth for what it is allows us to step into the reality of intentional formation. By choosing to follow Jesus and rejecting the passive influences of culture, we participate in a transformative process that reshapes our identity, renews our desires, and aligns our lives with the eternal purposes of God. Through this journey, we find not only freedom from the constraints of cultural narratives but also the abundant life promised by Christ—a life marked by joy, purpose, and communion with our Creator.

The holidays can be a challenging time when it comes to family dynamics. Many people feel pressure to grant unlimited access to their time, their energy, and even their homes—all in the name of family. The expectation to be constantly available, to attend every gathering, and to cater to every family member’s wishes, which can often become overwhelming. However, the truth is, people should never have influence on or access to you, your marriage, or your children simply because they are family. Access to me and my children is based on character, not just on blood relations. Just because someone shares our DNA does not mean they automatically earn the right to our innermost spaces, especially if their behavior undermines our peace, values, or well-being.

We tolerate things from family that we would never tolerate from anyone else—and that should not be. Blood is not a fast pass for bad behavior. Too often, we justify the hurtful actions of family members simply because they are related to us, but that mindset can lead to ongoing emotional damage and perpetuate unhealthy patterns. Respect, consideration, and healthy boundaries are just as important in family relationships as they are in any other aspect of life. In fact, setting boundaries with family can be even more critical because of the deep emotional ties involved. By setting these boundaries, we communicate our worth and the importance of maintaining a respectful and loving environment.

Boundaries not only honor Yahweh and protect you, but they also serve as a tool He uses as a first step toward salvation for the other person. When we establish clear limits, we give others an opportunity to reflect on their actions and behaviors. By setting boundaries, we allow God to work in ways that can bring about transformation. Sometimes, people need to feel the natural consequences of their actions in order to change, and boundaries can be the means by which those lessons are learned. It is not about punishment, but rather about fostering growth and encouraging healthier interactions. When we can’t trace His hand, we have to trust His will. Even when it feels difficult or counterintuitive, trusting that God is using these boundaries for a greater purpose can provide the strength needed to maintain them.

Boundaries are often painful, and that’s a good thing. Pain can be a sign of growth and necessary change. Yahweh is not as concerned with our outer comfort as He is with our inner salvation. He often uses discomfort to rescue a person’s soul. The temporary pain of setting a boundary can lead to long-term healing and healthier relationships. It’s important to remember that discomfort does not mean something is wrong; it often means something is being refined. Learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries can be uncomfortable, especially when those boundaries are with family members, but that discomfort is part of the process God uses to draw us closer to Him. By leaning into that discomfort, we allow God to refine our character and deepen our reliance on Him.

Setting boundaries may lead to pushback or even estrangement, but that does not mean you are doing something wrong. Family members who are used to having unchecked access to your life may not understand or accept your boundaries initially. They may react with anger, guilt-tripping, or attempts to manipulate you into reverting to old patterns. It is during these times that it is crucial to stay grounded in your values and remember why the boundaries were necessary in the first place. It is not your responsibility to make everyone happy; your responsibility is to honor God, protect your well-being, and create a healthy environment for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, even Jesus had boundaries—He took time away from the crowds to pray, He chose His close circle of disciples carefully, and He did not always meet others’ expectations of Him.

This holiday season, let’s be intentional about the relationships we nurture and the boundaries we set. Let’s prioritize the well-being of our families—not based on guilt or social expectations, but based on character, love, and the guidance of Yahweh. In doing so, we not only protect our hearts but also create opportunities for genuine growth and transformation, both for ourselves and for those around us. When we set boundaries, we are choosing to foster relationships that are built on mutual respect, love, and understanding rather than obligation and resentment.

Let’s also be mindful that setting boundaries is not about building walls to keep people out, but rather about creating healthy guidelines that allow relationships to thrive. Boundaries create the space for relationships to flourish in a way that honors both parties. When we clearly communicate our needs and expectations, we give others the opportunity to meet those needs and to respect those expectations. This can lead to deeper, more authentic connections. It may take time, and it may require repeated conversations, but the result is worth the effort. Healthy boundaries are an expression of love—not only for ourselves but also for those we are in relationship with.

As we navigate family gatherings, let us also remember the importance of self-care. Setting boundaries is one aspect of caring for ourselves, but it also involves recognizing our limits, giving ourselves permission to rest, and seeking support when needed. The holiday season often brings a whirlwind of activities, and it is easy to become depleted if we are not careful. By prioritizing self-care, we ensure that we have the emotional and physical energy to engage meaningfully with others. This means sometimes saying “no” to an event or request, even if it disappoints someone else. It means recognizing that your worth is not tied to how much you can give or how much you can do for others, but rather in who you are as a beloved child of God.

In conclusion, setting boundaries during the holidays is an act of love, courage, and faith. It is about creating an environment where you, your marriage, and your children can flourish. It is about honoring Yahweh by valuing the gifts He has given you—your time, your energy, and your relationships. It is about trusting that even when it is hard, God is using these moments to bring about something greater, both in your life and in the lives of those around you. This holiday season, let us walk in faith, setting boundaries that reflect our values and trusting that God will use them for His glory and our good.