Less is More: The Spiritual Practice of Saying 'No'
March 02, 2026
Fr. Jon Aamodt
Less is More: The Spiritual Practice of Saying "No" In an "on-demand" culture that insists more is better, we often find ourselves overfilled but unsatisfied. This episode explores how the spiritual disciplines of self-denial—saying "no" to the world—create the necessary space to say "yes" to God.
Episode Notes
Welcome to the podcast. After 40 years of hitting the gym, I’ve learned that health isn't an accident—it’s a discipline. The same is true for our souls.
Today, we’re exploring "Less is More: The Spiritual Practice of Saying No." Spiritual disciplines aren't about winning God’s favor; they are about getting on His side. In a culture that demands "more," we are looking at 9 ways to say "no" to the world so we can say "yes" to God:
Silence: Less noise to hear God’s voice.
Simplicity: Fewer things to find more security.
Secrecy: Less recognition to kill the need for approval.
Restraint: Less impulse to serve God’s desires.
Submission: Less self-will to trust His sovereignty.
Sabbath: Less productivity to remember He sustains the world.
Vigil: Less sleep for sacred attentiveness.
Moderation: Less overindulgence so "good things" don't control you.
Fasting (Our Focus): Less food to prove our flesh isn't the boss.
As we dive into Matthew 4, ask yourself: What is one "yes" you can turn into a "no" this week to create more space for the Holy Spirit?
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