Less Stuff. More Jesus.
Most of us are swimming in a culture that’s always whispering (or shouting): "You need more." More upgrades. More comfort. More convenience. And if we’re not careful, we start to believe that our peace is one click away, that joy can be delivered in two days or less, and that fullness is something you can swipe a card to get.
But Jesus tells a different story. In John 6, a crowd chases Him down—not because they want Him, but because they want what He can do. Free bread? Yes, please. A life that requires nothing but gives everything? Sounds great. But Jesus shuts it down. He says, "I am the bread of life." Not what I give you. Me.
We weren’t made to be consumers of religious goods and services. We were made to be consumed by the presence of God. He’s not trying to accessorize your life. He wants to be your life.
So this week, let’s put it into practice. Let’s create some space in our cluttered, noisy lives to encounter the only One who truly satisfies. This 3-day devotional is your invitation to trade one mindless habit for one meaningful moment with God. Not to earn anything, but to remember what’s already true: Jesus is enough.
Day 1: What Are You Really Hungry For?
Scripture: John 6:26–27
Let’s be honest. Most of us come to God hoping He’ll fix something. Pay a bill. Save a relationship. Make our lives a little easier. Jesus had just fed thousands of people, and the next day the crowd came back, not to worship, but for seconds. They didn’t want Him; they wanted another free meal.
Sound familiar?
We do this all the time. We follow Jesus, hoping He’ll deliver the life we ordered: comfortable, pain-free, maybe a little blessed on the side. But He looks us right in the eyes and says, "You're chasing the wrong thing. Don’t work for food that spoils. Work for what lasts forever."
Jesus isn’t our vending machine. He’s the bread of life. So what do we do about it?
Application:
Name one area where you’ve been coming to Jesus more for what He can do for you than for who He is. Write it down. Acknowledge it. Then say, “Jesus, I still want you even if I don’t get this thing.”
Prayer:
Jesus, I admit that sometimes I treat you like a means to an end. I chase the gift and forget the Giver. Today, help me hunger more for You than the stuff You can do for me. Change my appetite. Amen.
Day 2: One Less
Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21
Consumerism isn’t just about stuff, it’s about filling emptiness with anything but God. It’s the constant itch to buy something, scroll something, achieve something. And the truth is, most of us don’t even notice when we’re doing it.
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, your heart is too.” So if all your treasure is in your Amazon cart, your next vacation, or your social feed, you’re gonna feel pretty empty when life falls apart.
So here is the challenge:
Application:
Choose one thing you normally consume without thinking. Maybe it’s checking your phone every 5 minutes, late-night online shopping, or swinging by the drive-thru when you’re not even hungry. Just one thing. Say no to it today. Not forever. Just today.
Use that space to breathe. To notice what’s going on inside. To invite God into it.
Prayer:
God, I fill my life with so much noise and clutter. Today, I’m saying no to something small, so I can hear You more clearly. Teach me to make space for You. Amen.
Day 3: One More
Scripture: Psalm 63:1–5
So now that you've made some space, what are you filling it with?
Consumerism thrives in the void. That empty, restless feeling that says, “I need something.” And here’s the truth: You do. But not more stuff. Not more scrolling. You need more of Him.
Jesus says, "I am the bread of life." He’s not offering a product. He’s offering Himself. And the only way to really get that is to start showing up for it. So here is how you do that:
Application:
Today, do one more thing that brings you into the presence of God.
Read John 6 slowly.
Sit in silence for 10 minutes.
Listen to “This Is the Air I Breathe.”
Go for a walk and talk to Him out loud.
Doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be present. He already is.
Prayer:
Jesus, I want more of You—not more things, not more noise. Help me slow down, quiet down, and see that You’re enough. Teach me to love Your presence more than my comforts. Amen.
Here’s the deal—this isn’t just about cutting out coffee runs or scrolling less. It’s about paying attention to what we’re actually hungry for. Because most of the time, we’re chasing stuff that won’t last, hoping it’ll fill something deep inside. But Jesus? He’s the only One who really can.
So keep going. Keep saying “no” to the noise and “yes” to what really matters. Keep showing up with your whole heart—even if it’s messy. Because the more space you make for Jesus, the more you’ll realize… He is enough. He always has been.
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