With by Skye Jethani Summary

"With" challenges transactional approaches to faith by exploring four common postures toward God: life under God (rule-based), life over God (formula-driven), life from God (blessing-seeking), and life for God (purpose-focused). Skye Jethani contrasts these with life with God—a relational posture centered on daily connection rather than outcomes. The book reframes discipleship as presence-oriented communion, using scripture and practical insights to help believers move beyond performance-based spirituality.

This book is ideal for Christians feeling disillusioned with formulaic faith practices, leaders seeking deeper theological frameworks, and anyone questioning transactional approaches to prayer or purpose. Jethani’s accessible style resonates with both new believers and seasoned churchgoers, particularly those navigating burnout, doubt, or cultural shifts in modern Christianity.

Yes—readers consistently praise its transformative impact on spiritual identity. By dissecting flawed postures toward God and offering a relational alternative, Jethani provides tools to combat anxiety and disillusionment. The book’s blend of theological depth, relatable storytelling, and practical application makes it valuable for personal growth and group studies.

Jethani identifies:

• Life Under God: Viewing God as a rule-enforcer (focus: obedience-as-transaction).
• Life Over God: Treating faith as a controllable formula (focus: principles over presence).
• Life From God: Seeking blessings rather than the Blesser (focus: divine vending machine).
• Life For God: Reducing faith to purpose-driven activity (focus: impact over intimacy).

Unlike transactional postures, "life with God" prioritizes relational presence over outcomes. It shifts focus from what God provides to who God is, fostering daily communion rooted in trust rather than control. Jethani illustrates this through scriptural examples like Mary of Bethany (sitting at Jesus’ feet) versus Martha’s task-oriented service.

Jethani emphasizes contemplative practices:

• Examen prayer: Reviewing the day with God.
• Lectio Divina: Meditative scripture reading.
• Sacred routines: Infusing mundane moments with divine awareness.

These habits reorient believers from outcome-dependence to relational abiding, reducing anxiety and deepening trust.

The book challenges:

• Sermon-centric models prioritizing information over formation.
• "Bigger is better" ministry metrics equating growth with God’s favor.
• Consumeristic faith treating God as a cosmic concierge.

Jethani argues these reflect "life from God" or "life for God" postures, divorcing activity from intimacy.

"God doesn't want your ministry; He wants you."

This summarizes Jethani’s thesis: Faith isn’t about exploiting divine resources or earning approval but communing with the Person at its center.

Jethani reframes struggles as invitations to deeper trust, not failures of faith. By examining Job’s story, he shows how "life with God" sustains believers when formulas fail—offering presence over explanations during pain or uncertainty.

Unlike tactical guides (e.g., prayer methods, purpose frameworks), "With" diagnoses why believers feel distant from God. Its posture paradigm provides a lens to evaluate spiritual health beyond behavior, making it a foundational resource for lasting transformation.