A Wedge between the Spiritual and the Material
His presence rises in the ordinary, sanctifying the everyday.
Devotional Credit: In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
E. Stanley Jones confronts a subtle yet deeply rooted error in church history—the artificial separation between the spiritual and the material. He points to the moment in Acts 6 when the apostles, facing practical ministry needs, delegated “serving tables” to others in order to focus on “prayer and the ministry of the word.” While this may appear spiritually wise on the surface, Jones suggests that it unintentionally introduced a dualism—a hierarchy in which spiritual ministry was elevated and material service was diminished.
Jones argues that in the incarnation, Christ united the spiritual and the material. “The Word became flesh” was not a metaphor; it was the profound joining of heaven and earth, spirit and body. To separate them again is to reverse the incarnation. The fallout of this split has been centuries-long: clergy above laity, spiritual pursuits above daily tasks, preaching above serving. But Christianity is not meant to divide sacred and secular—it is meant to embody Christ in all things.
Jones’s concern is not just historical—it’s present-day. When believers see their daily work, parenting, business dealings, or service as “less than” ministry, we perpetuate a false division. But in Christ, all things hold together. Whether preaching, sweeping floors, or caring for a neighbor, the Spirit dwells in the action and hallows it.
Journal Entry — Voice of the Holy Spirit
I have never divided your life into categories. There is no such thing as secular for those who are in Me. In Me, all things are sacred, for I have made My dwelling within you. When you speak kindly, that is My word made flesh. When you serve someone quietly, that is My love in action. When you bring order, beauty, or provision into your home or your workplace, I am glorified in it.
The wedge that was driven long ago between the spiritual and the material has no place in My Kingdom. I am not bound to platforms or pulpits. I walk with you into kitchens and boardrooms, into classrooms and grocery stores. My Spirit rests upon you whether your hands hold a Bible or a broom. You are My vessel, and I live through you in every moment.
You are seated with Me in the heavenly places even as your feet touch the ground. Heaven and earth meet in you because you are in Me, and I am in you. Let Me express My life through you without division, without hierarchy, without shame. I do not divide; I indwell. I do not elevate one moment above another—I fill them all.
Scriptures referenced: Acts 6:2–4; John 1:14; Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 2:6; Galatians 2:20
Real-Life Analogy
It’s like the aroma of a home-cooked meal—how it fills every room, clings to clothing, and seeps into the fabric of the house. You don’t light a match to ignite a “spiritual” space; the scent of love, sacrifice, and care is already saturating the air. In Christ, the fragrance of His life seeps into everything you touch—your labor, your laughter, your listening. No corner is neutral. Everything is scented by His presence.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that You have already made my whole life sacred through Christ who lives in me. There is no higher or lower calling—there is only Your indwelling presence expressing itself through the unique moments of my day. Whether I am resting or working, speaking or listening, I trust You to live through me in the ordinary and the unseen. I rejoice that Your Spirit has made even the smallest task holy. I don’t strive to be spiritual—I simply yield to the One who already is.