Episode Summary
In this deeply reflective episode, host Nate Labadorf guides listeners into the uncomfortable but necessary conversation about spiritual greed—the quiet temptation to chase experiences, feelings, and objects in the name of devotion, while unknowingly drifting away from God Himself. Drawing from the writings of St. John of the Cross, Nate opens up about how easily our hearts can grow restless, even in our efforts to be faithful. We accumulate spiritual books, devotional tools, and emotional moments, thinking they bring us closer to God. But too often, these things become substitutes for real communion with Him. This episode invites us to examine whether we are clinging to the means of faith instead of the God they are meant to reveal.

The cost of chasing spiritual highs is subtle but profound. What begins as a hunger for God can turn into an addiction to the feelings of closeness, creating a cycle of dissatisfaction and disconnection. St. John of the Cross called this spiritual avarice—a craving that leads not to depth but to distraction. In today’s world of instant downloads and endless content, we may not carry relics or fishbone rosaries, but we hoard sermons, books, podcasts, and practices with the same anxious grasp. Nate’s reflections challenge us to consider: is all our spiritual effort actually helping us grow, or is it masking a deeper need to be still, be known, and simply be with God?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
In Segment 1, Nate explores the idea of spiritual highs through the lens of historical wisdom and modern restlessness. We hear how the chase for emotional or mystical experiences can actually hinder spiritual growth. Instead of trusting God’s presence in silence and stillness, we look for the next moment of inspiration, forgetting that deep transformation often takes place in the unseen and ordinary. Nate reminds us that spiritual maturity isn’t a stack of completed devotionals, but a surrendered heart willing to walk through dryness and uncertainty with faith.

Segment 2 brings in an evangelical perspective, grounding the conversation in Scripture. Nate wrestles with the tension between St. John’s mystical language and the biblical call to clarity and truth. He discusses how the Pharisees loved religious forms but missed the heart of God, and how our own spiritual routines can easily drift into the same trap. Scripture is clear: our security comes not from symbols or systems, but from Christ alone. This section doesn’t dismiss spiritual practices—it clarifies them, urging believers to let go of control and let Christ be enough.

In Segment 3, we move from reflection to application. Nate offers practical ways to simplify the spiritual life and return to the basics: prayer, humility, surrender. Through the compelling story of Anne Marie Miller’s burnout and recovery, listeners are given a picture of what it looks like to fall out of love with the feeling of faith and rediscover the quiet beauty of God’s presence. This segment is filled with grace-driven action points that help listeners clear out spiritual clutter and cultivate intimacy with Christ, not through effort but through trust. From journaling prompts to small acts of service, it’s a guide for hearts ready to return home.

Finally, Segment 4 brings a word of clarity and hope. Nate reminds us that the goal of faith isn’t spiritual ecstasy—it’s union with God. Growth doesn’t come from striving but from surrender. It’s in the ordinary moments of obedience, in the stillness of prayer, and in the quiet decision to trust God even when we feel nothing, that the soul matures. Drawing again from St. John of the Cross, Nate invites us to trade our grasping for resting, and to remember that true love grows not in feelings, but in faithfulness. This is the gentle, unshakable peace we’re all searching for—and it’s found not in more, but in less.

Key Quotes from the Episode
“Spiritual greed is not about wanting more of God. It’s about wanting more of the feeling of God.” – Nate Labadorf
“True devotion comes not from what is felt but from what is given.” – St. John of the Cross
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

This Episode Is for You If:
You feel spiritually exhausted or burned out from trying to “do enough” for God.
You chase emotional highs in worship, study, or ministry and feel empty when they fade.
You have a deep desire for God but feel disconnected despite your efforts.
You want to grow, but you’re tired of trying harder.
You long to trade spiritual clutter for spiritual peace.

Practical Reflections and Action Steps
Nate encourages listeners to reflect on their current spiritual habits and discern which practices are life-giving and which may be rooted in performance or fear. List every devotional tool, group, app, or study you’re currently involved in, and ask honestly: am I doing this to know God or to feel good about myself? Then, simplify. Focus on one or two spiritual practices, like daily silent prayer or slow Scripture meditation.

Begin praying simple, honest prayers: “God, show me where I’m striving. Lead me back to rest in You.” Serve someone this week without expecting anything in return. Let that act of love be your worship. Lastly, consider letting go of one spiritual item or habit and see what space that opens up in your soul.

A Word of Hope
You don’t need more to be close to God. You need less. Less noise. Less striving. Less pressure to feel something or produce results. What you need is what God has already given: Himself. Spiritual growth comes not from the mountaintop, but from the valleys, the quiet places, and the ordinary moments where God whispers to the soul that He is enough. As you let go of spiritual greed and embrace simplicity, you’ll find that what you were chasing was never a feeling—it was Him. And He’s been here all along.

Next Week’s Episode
Join us for Episode 6: The Shadow Side of Joy – The Chase of Spiritual Luxury. We’ll explore how even the most beautiful gifts from God can become obstacles when we pursue them for their own sake. We’ll talk about how to hold joy with open hands and how to keep our hearts grounded in the Giver, not just the gift.

Stay Connected
Visit freshgroundtheology.com for resources, journaling prompts, and community conversations. Subscribe to The Distracted Christian Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Share this episode with a friend who might be struggling to find peace in the noise.

Reach out to us anytime at freshgroundtheology@gmail.com—we’d love to hear your story.

Until next time, may you find stillness in your spirit, courage in your surrender, and the deep, lasting joy that only Christ can give.