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In this episode, James Bryan Smith sits down with A.J. Swoboda for a Things Above Conversation. A.J. is the author of “Subversive Sabbath” which was Christianity Today’s Spiritual formation book of the year. This book pioneers a creative path to an alternative way of existing. Combining creative storytelling, pastoral sensitivity, practical insight, and relevant academic research, Subversive Sabbath offers a unique invitation to personal Sabbath-keeping that leads to fuller and more joyful lives.
James and A.J. discuss how we live in a 24/7 culture of endless productivity, workaholism, distraction, burnout, and anxiety–a way of life to which we’ve sadly grown accustomed. This tired system of “life” ultimately destroys our souls, our bodies, our relationships, our society, and the rest of God’s creation. The whole world grows exhausted because humanity has forgotten to enter into God’s rest.
A.J. explains the importance of keeping the sabbath and how it allows us to co-labor with God. Sabbath is a 24 hour period where god invites all creation to stop and enjoy all of life and when we begin to enter into this we will see our relationship with God begin to flourish. We have not been content with the simple beautiful life that we have of living with God. We want just a little bit more. That is the ultimate temptation that humanity faces everyday. Do I live in contentment with what God has given to me, or do I need more. Saying I don’t need the sabbath is a to get another day to get more. To take a sabbath is to say to God, “okay God I will enjoy six days this week and work six days this week but then I will take one day and I am going to give it to you.
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