Don’t Curate, Cultivate - Brad Jones

Main message: Jesus calls us away from performative, algorithm-shaped faith and into private, attentive discipleship—practicing giving, prayer, and fasting for God alone so we are formed into his image, not for human approval.

Key points:

• The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew) warns against doing righteous acts to be seen; motivation matters more than public display.
• Give, pray, and fast, but do them in secret (close the door) so your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
• Don't curate a comfortable, selective "playlist" of Jesus' teachings; be a disciple who embraces Jesus' whole way of life.
• God desires your attention (not the world's algorithm); private rhythms of prayer and solitude cultivate relationship, wisdom, hope, and transformation.
• The reward for secret devotion is deeper communion with God—being transformed into Christ's image and overflowing with hope.

Scriptures mentioned: Matthew 5, Matthew 5:13-15, Matthew 6:1-18 (verses on giving, praying, fasting), Colossians 3:1-2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 15:13