The Four Rhythms of a Spiritually Meaningful Life
Listen To The Podcast
Listen here or
on your favorite podcast platform
More About The Podcast
About
“Love deeply. Live quietly. Mind your own affairs. Work with your hands.” These simple instructions from Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians form the foundation of pastor Tommy Brown’s new book, The Speed of Soul. This week, Tommy talks with Redeemed director Nate Dewberry about what inspired the book and what he hopes men will find a vision for living “smaller” yet freer, a sense of greater fulfillment in ordinary work, and discovering what he calls “a better way of being human.”
Show Notes
Segment chapters
0:00 Intro/The “wisdom circle” that inspired Tommy’s new book
5:14 What does redemption mean to you?
6:59 Loving deeply in a culture that can be fast-paced and unforgiving
16:21 Living quietly in a world full of noise and static
27:14 Minding your own affairs while still having concern for others
39:18 Working with your hands and glorifying God in the process
47:00 How living the four rhythms changes not only our lives, but others
49:52 Tommy’s other books/Closing thoughts
Snippets/excerpts
3:07 to 4:37—The “wisdom circle” from 1 Thessalonians that inspired Tommy’s latest book
14:34 to 16:02—Practice brotherly love even to those you’re not related to, because we’re all brothers and sisters in Christ
26:07 to 26:49—Even your morning commute can be a time for spiritual growth and communion with God if you approach it with intentionality
40:49 to 42:40—Bezalel the tabernacle builder and what his presence in the Bible says about our ability to glorify God through our work
44:10 to 46:05—“I had relinquished doing my calling as a pastor in exchange for doing things that made me employable by the church”
Discussion
- What was your gut reaction to hearing Tommy’s directives to “love deeply, live quietly, mind your own affairs, and work with your hands”? Which of these practices feels most natural to you right now – and which ones have you been overlooking or resisting? Did any of them strike you as confusing or hard to see the relevance of in today’s world? 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
- How often do you show “brotherly love” to people you’re not actually related to? Do you, as Tommy suggested, make a practice of “being the thing [to others] that you hope to receive in return”?
- Tommy offers four life rhythms that shape what it means to “live quietly”: guarding your gateways, guarding your mouth, guarding your “cell,” and guarding against distraction. Which of these do you feel you’re doing well at right now, and which ones have proven to be more challenging? What steps could you take to strengthen the areas where your guard is weaker?
- On the subject of your “cell,” or personal space—what does that place (literally or figuratively) look and feel like? If it’s a physical place, where is itand what about it brings you peace? If it’s a mental place, what do you do to transport yourself there, and what do you think about once you’re there?
- How would you describe your ability to focus on your own affairs – and to resist getting caught up in the affairs of others? Think about instances when you do get involved in the affairs of others: Are there common threads running through them? The same people, the same organization, similar circumstances? Why do you think it’s hard to resist the temptation to get involved?
- Do you generally find fulfillment in your job? Why or why not? Do you feel purposeful in your work, or do you show up each day and go through the motions as you try to please your superiors? What are some ways you could give glory to God in your work daily?
Other resources
Tommy’s books:
- The Seven Money Types: Discover How God Wired You to Handle Money
- The Ache for Meaning: How the Temptations of Christ Reveal Who We Are and What We’re Seeking
- The Speed of Soul: Four Rhythms for a Quiet Life in a World of Noise (just released)
Others he mentioned:
- Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy? by Gary Thomas
- Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith by Henri Nouwen
- Why It’s OK to Mind Your Own Business by Justin Tosi and Brandon Warmke
Search Podcasts
Enjoyed This Episode?
Discover more inspiring episodes of The Redeemed Man Podcast wherever you tune in!
Share This Podcast
Sign up for updates
When you sign up for this mailing list, you’ll receive regular updates for The Redeemed.
More From The Redeemed Man Podcast
Faithful Leadership at Work and Home
Dr. Mike Zigarelli, a professor at Messiah University, shares some discoveries from his research into successful Christian businesses and sports programs—and discusses how men can incorporate those principles into their daily lives.
Escaping Spiritual Exhaustion and Resting in God’s Love
Counselor, minister, and author Michael Cusick unpacks themes from his new book, Sacred Attachment, and explores the barriers that keep men from developing closer relationships with God and each other.
The Freedom of Handing It Over to God
The decision to leave Georgia Tech to forge a new path in ministry was a difficult one, but Peyton Wells handed it over to God—and is already reaping the spiritual rewards.
