Podcast Summary: In Totality with Megan Ashley
Episode: EP 63: Marked by Fire: The Weight of Being a Living Sacrifice (Part 2)
Release Date: March 25, 2025

Introduction

In the second part of Episode 63, titled "Marked by Fire: The Weight of Being a Living Sacrifice," host Megan Ashley continues her in-depth conversation with Preston Morrison. Together, they delve into the profound responsibilities and challenges of living a life wholly devoted to God. This episode explores themes of personal holiness, the balance between self-awareness and self-compassion, the importance of obedience over ambition, and the journey along the narrow path of Christian faith.

Defining Serious Christianity and Living Sacrifice

Megan opens the discussion by seeking to understand what it means to be a "serious Christian" and how one can embody a living sacrifice in everyday life. Preston provides a powerful analogy:

Preston Morrison [01:07]: "What if you saw your calling as running a race, a marathon... every single person God in this season of their lives has called to run with you."

He emphasizes the importance of personal growth and setting higher spiritual standards, even in the face of criticism.

Personal Holiness vs. Legalism

The conversation shifts to distinguishing personal holiness from legalism. Preston acknowledges the inevitable criticism that comes with striving for holiness but reaffirms its necessity:

Preston Morrison [02:20]: "Anyone endeavoring to live a life of holiness is from time to time going to be accused of being legalistic. It's okay."

He cites a verse from 2 Timothy to illustrate the importance of being a vessel of honor for God:

Preston Morrison [02:56]: "If anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the master, prepared for every good work."

God's Patience and Slow Spiritual Growth

Preston and Megan discuss God's deliberate pace in spiritual growth, contrasting human impatience with divine timing. Preston uses the metaphor of a marathon to explain how extended periods of faithfulness build trust and resilience:

Preston Morrison [16:31]: "Biblical Christianity can only happen in a crock pot, slow cook... and he's going to bring him glory the way that it is."

Megan adds that rushing God's process can lead to incomplete character development:

Megan Ashley [19:49]: "I'd rather have character than have something that is fleeting."

Self-Awareness and Overcoming Self-Condemnation

The dialogue moves toward the balance between healthy self-awareness and self-condemnation. Megan shares her struggle with being hard on herself despite her self-awareness:

Megan Ashley [34:00]: "I have to be mindful, too. Of even how I allow criticism of myself."

Preston offers practical advice on transforming negative self-talk into constructive growth:

Preston Morrison [35:07]: "The Lord just. He’s honest. He’s not that kind of parent... pointing out some stuff where it's like, I want you to be better at that."

He recounts a personal experience where God corrected his self-condemnation, teaching him to view himself through a lens of love and growth rather than criticism.

Obedience over Ambition

Preston and Megan explore the distinction between acting out of obedience versus personal ambition. Preston underscores that obedience aligns actions with God's will, ensuring that God's glory is prioritized over personal recognition:

Preston Morrison [45:16]: "If I’m doing what I do in obedience, he’ll always get the glory because he asked for it to be done."

Megan complements this by highlighting the cultural tendency towards self-centeredness and immediate gratification, urging listeners to focus on obedience as a path to genuine fulfillment.

The Narrow Path in Christianity

Central to the episode is the concept of the "narrow path" as referenced in Scripture. Preston defines walking the narrow path as embodying sacrificial love and obedience, mirroring Christ's example:

Preston Morrison [46:36]: "When you become a living sacrifice, this is the way. Jesus was the embodiment of sacrificial love."

Megan emphasizes the importance of committing to this path despite societal pressures to conform to less demanding spiritual standards:

Megan Ashley [44:39]: "Few find it. Narrow is the way."

Managing Negative Thoughts and the Inner Critic

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on identifying and managing negative thought patterns that can hinder spiritual growth. Preston elaborates on the concept of the inner critic and its impact:

Preston Morrison [31:28]: "A heart makes a dangerous brain."

He advises listeners to transform self-criticism into self-improvement by leveraging their awareness to draw closer to God rather than fall into shame and isolation.

Practical Applications and Journal Prompt

To help listeners internalize the episode's teachings, Preston offers a journal prompt aimed at addressing fears associated with living sacrificially:

Preston Morrison [51:50]: "Write, 'Lord, my biggest fears about being a living sacrifice for you are...' and then spend time discussing these fears with God."

This exercise encourages honest reflection and reliance on God's support to overcome personal hurdles.

Conclusion and Prayer

As the episode concludes, Megan and Preston reinforce the importance of maintaining a committed and obedient Christian walk. Preston shares a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to seek deeper connections with God and embrace their roles as living sacrifices:

Preston Morrison [52:38]: "Holy Spirit, would you grab the hand and heart of every person watching this... into an all new journey deeper into the cave as a living sacrifice, doing things your way, not theirs?"

Megan encourages listeners to follow Preston's work and engage with the broader Christian community to continue their spiritual journey.

Notable Quotes

1. Preston Morrison [02:20]:

   "Anyone endeavoring to live a life of holiness is from time to time going to be accused of being legalistic. It's okay."

2. Preston Morrison [16:31]:

   "Biblical Christianity can only happen in a crock pot, slow cook... and he's going to bring him glory the way that it is."

3. Preston Morrison [31:28]:

   "A heart makes a dangerous brain."

4. Preston Morrison [46:36]:

   "When you become a living sacrifice, this is the way. Jesus was the embodiment of sacrificial love."

5. Preston Morrison [52:38]:

   "Holy Spirit, would you grab the hand and heart of every person watching this... into an all new journey deeper into the cave as a living sacrifice, doing things your way, not theirs?"

Key Takeaways

• Living as a Sacrifice: Embracing a life devoted to God involves constant personal holiness and obedience, even when it attracts criticism.

• Patience in Growth: Spiritual maturity is a gradual process that builds trust and character, much like a marathon rather than a sprint.

• Healthy Self-Awareness: It's essential to recognize personal weaknesses without succumbing to self-condemnation, allowing God to guide growth.

• Obedience Over Ambition: Prioritizing obedience ensures that actions glorify God rather than fulfilling personal ego.

• Embracing the Narrow Path: Following Christ's example of sacrificial love leads to a fulfilling and purposeful Christian life.

• Managing the Inner Critic: Transform negative self-talk into opportunities for spiritual growth by aligning thoughts with God's love and purpose.

• Practical Reflection: Engaging in reflective practices, such as journaling, helps address fears and deepen one's commitment to living sacrificially.

Action Steps for Listeners

1. Reflect on the Journal Prompt: Take time to write down your fears about living as a living sacrifice and discuss them with God.

2. Embrace Obedience: Focus on aligning your actions with God's will rather than pursuing personal ambitions.

3. Cultivate Patience: Trust in God's timing for your spiritual growth, understanding that true character development takes time.

4. Manage Negative Thoughts: Recognize and transform negative self-talk into constructive growth opportunities with God's guidance.

5. Commit to the Narrow Path: Strive to embody sacrificial love and obedience in all areas of your life, following Christ's example.

This episode of In Totality offers a profound exploration of what it means to live a life wholly devoted to God. Through heartfelt dialogue and practical insights, Megan Ashley and Preston Morrison provide listeners with the tools and encouragement needed to embrace their calling as living sacrifices, navigating the challenges with faith, patience, and unwavering commitment.