Embracing Slowness: Overcoming Hurry in Spiritual Life

 

Summary

In our fast-paced world, the concept of hurry has become a pervasive issue, often unnoticed yet deeply impactful on our spiritual lives. Today, I had the privilege of discussing this with John Mark Comer, a dear friend and insightful thinker. We delved into the idea that hurry is not just a symptom but a root cause of many spiritual ailments. Dallas Willard, a significant influence on both of us, famously stated that "hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life." This notion initially seemed bewildering, especially in a culture that often prioritizes speed and efficiency. However, upon reflection, it resonates deeply, much like a tuning fork that aligns with the natural order of creation.

Hurry, as we explored, is fundamentally incompatible with love, which is central to Jesus' teachings. Love requires a slower, more deliberate pace, akin to the "three-mile-an-hour God" described by Japanese theologian Kosuke Koyama. This pace reflects the speed of walking, symbolizing the slow, intentional nature of divine love. In contrast, our hurried lives often lead to irritability, exhaustion, and anxiety, distancing us from the love and peace that God offers.

We also touched on the historical context of spiritual practices, noting how figures like John Wesley managed their time differently due to the natural rhythms of their era. Today, with the constant demands and distractions, it's crucial to cultivate self-awareness and mindfulness. This involves recognizing when we are hurried and gently redirecting ourselves back to a state of calm and presence. It's about embodying spirituality, allowing our bodies to become allies in our spiritual journey, as Willard suggested.

Ultimately, the challenge is to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives, not as a one-time act but as a continual practice. This involves simple yet profound actions like taking deep breaths, slowing down, and being present in the moment. By doing so, we align ourselves more closely with God's pace and open ourselves to the transformative power of love.

Key Takeaways:

- Hurry as a Spiritual Enemy: Hurry is not just a symptom but a root cause of spiritual disconnection. It creates barriers to love, which is central to Jesus' teachings. Recognizing hurry as an enemy allows us to address deeper issues in our spiritual lives. [03:29]

- The Speed of Love: Love operates at a slow, deliberate pace, akin to walking. This contrasts with our culture's emphasis on speed and efficiency. Embracing a slower pace aligns us with God's nature and fosters deeper spiritual growth. [05:52]

- Historical Context of Spiritual Practices: Figures like John Wesley managed their time within the natural rhythms of their era. Understanding this context helps us adapt spiritual practices to our modern lives without feeling overwhelmed. [07:12]

- Mindfulness and Self-awareness: Cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness helps us recognize when we are hurried. By gently redirecting ourselves, we can return to a state of calm and presence, fostering spiritual growth. [09:46]

- Embodied Spirituality: Viewing our bodies as allies in our spiritual journey allows us to engage in practices like deep breathing and fasting. These practices help us cultivate the presence of God and align with His pace. [11:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:20] - Introduction to John Mark Comer
- [02:24] - The Impact of Hurry
- [03:29] - Dallas Willard's Influence
- [04:16] - Hurry as a Root Cause
- [05:28] - Love and Speed
- [06:05] - God's Pace
- [07:12] - Historical Context of Spiritual Practices
- [08:14] - Overcoming Hurry
- [09:00] - Self-awareness and Mindfulness
- [10:11] - Embodied Spirituality
- [11:36] - Practicing Slowness
- [12:17] - Closing Remarks
- [12:41] - Social Media and Contact Information
- [13:08] - Prayer Requests and Farewell

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Impact of Hurry on Spiritual Life

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
2. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV) - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
3. Psalm 46:10 (NIV) - "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'"

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, why is hurry considered the "great enemy of spiritual life"? [03:29]
2. How does the concept of a "three-mile-an-hour God" relate to the pace of love described in the sermon? [05:52]
3. What historical context about spiritual practices was mentioned in the sermon, and how does it relate to our modern lives? [07:12]
4. What are some signs mentioned in the sermon that indicate a person is living a hurried life? [10:11]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of "hurry" as a root cause of spiritual disconnection challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual growth? [04:16]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that love and hurry are incompatible, and how does this align with the biblical definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5? [05:28]
3. How might the historical context of figures like John Wesley inform our approach to spiritual practices today? [07:12]
4. What role does self-awareness play in overcoming hurry, according to the sermon, and how does this relate to the biblical call to "be still" in Psalm 46:10? [09:46]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there specific areas where hurry is impacting your spiritual life? How can you begin to address these areas this week? [03:29]
2. Consider the concept of a "three-mile-an-hour God." How can you intentionally slow down to align more closely with God's pace in your daily interactions? [05:52]
3. What practical steps can you take to cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness in your life, especially when you feel hurried or stressed? [09:46]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of "being still" into your daily routine to foster a deeper connection with God? [10:11]
5. Identify one spiritual practice from the past, like those of John Wesley, that you can adapt to fit your modern lifestyle. How will you implement this practice in the coming week? [07:12]
6. Think of a recent situation where hurry led to irritability or anxiety. How could you have approached it differently to embody the patience and kindness described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5? [10:23]
7. What is one specific action you can take this week to "ruthlessly eliminate hurry" from your life, as suggested in the sermon? [12:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing Hurry as a Spiritual Barrier
Hurry is not merely a symptom of a busy life; it is a profound spiritual enemy that creates barriers to love, which is central to Jesus' teachings. In a world that often glorifies speed and efficiency, hurry can lead to spiritual disconnection, irritability, and anxiety. Recognizing hurry as an enemy allows individuals to address deeper issues in their spiritual lives, fostering a more profound connection with God and others. By acknowledging the impact of hurry, one can begin to take steps towards a more intentional and spiritually fulfilling life. [03:29]

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" (Psalm 37:7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a moment today when you felt hurried. How did it affect your interactions with others, and what can you do to slow down and be more present in those moments?


Day 2: Embracing the Pace of Love
Love operates at a slow, deliberate pace, akin to walking, which contrasts with our culture's emphasis on speed and efficiency. This slower pace aligns with God's nature and fosters deeper spiritual growth. By embracing a slower pace, individuals can cultivate a more profound sense of love and connection with God and others. This deliberate pace allows for intentionality in relationships and spiritual practices, creating space for genuine love to flourish. [05:52]

"Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a relationship in your life that could benefit from a slower, more intentional approach. What specific actions can you take to nurture this relationship with love and patience?


Day 3: Learning from Historical Spiritual Practices
Historical figures like John Wesley managed their time within the natural rhythms of their era, providing valuable insights for adapting spiritual practices to modern life. Understanding this context helps individuals avoid feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands and distractions of today's world. By learning from the past, one can cultivate spiritual practices that are both meaningful and sustainable, allowing for a deeper connection with God. [07:12]

"Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.'" (Jeremiah 6:16, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a spiritual practice from history that resonates with you. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to enhance your spiritual journey?


Day 4: Cultivating Mindfulness and Self-awareness
Cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness helps individuals recognize when they are hurried, allowing them to gently redirect themselves back to a state of calm and presence. This practice fosters spiritual growth by creating space for reflection and connection with God. By being mindful of one's pace and presence, individuals can align more closely with God's love and peace, experiencing a more profound sense of spiritual fulfillment. [09:46]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment today to pause and breathe deeply. What thoughts or distractions are pulling you away from being present with God, and how can you refocus your mind on His presence?


Day 5: Engaging in Embodied Spirituality
Viewing the body as an ally in the spiritual journey allows individuals to engage in practices like deep breathing and fasting, which help cultivate the presence of God and align with His pace. These practices encourage a holistic approach to spirituality, integrating the physical and spiritual aspects of life. By embodying spirituality, individuals can experience a deeper connection with God, fostering a sense of peace and fulfillment in their spiritual journey. [11:21]

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a physical practice, such as deep breathing or fasting, that you can incorporate into your spiritual routine. How can this practice help you become more attuned to God's presence in your life?

Quotes


yeah i was uh autobiographically i was basically a quintessential stressed out mega church pastor having an early midlife crisis and i yeah you're way too young for that yeah no or not and i had come to willard's kind of corpus of writings and they had already had a tremendous impact on me and just kind of raising the horizon of possibility for human personhood to jesus original vision but i was still fairly stuck in my kind of day-to-day life and of course the concept of hurry uh doesn't come from me it comes from kind of willard's mind through your life and your biography and relationship to him [00:02:29]

and when you first told me that story i can't remember if i read it in your book or if it was in our conversation but you know where willard said to you hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life yeah if you haven't heard many many years ago i've gone to a church in chicago i was real busy and asked ellis what do i need to do to stay spiritually healthy and alive long pause you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life from your life yeah and and he called hurry the great enemy of spiritual life in our day right [00:03:17]

and so my first thought was like wait hurry hurry's the great enemy but then bewilderment went really fast to like best analogy i could think it was like a uh you're a musician like a tuning fork you ever hit a tuning fork and if you're close enough to it your bone will will like resonate with the and it's your bone is coming into contact with middle c and you know music theory like uh musical notes are literally woven into the fabric of creation like man didn't invent middle c it's just there like gravity like light and you just you can you can access what's there or not and make something with what's there [00:04:14]

and so it was like this tuning fork kind of reality where i think it put the finger on the pulse of not the symptom but the root and the symptoms in my life were a lack of love and shorthand irritability exhaustion chronic anxiety but the root ouch anybody yeah or at least or at least one of the core roots was hurry and just the very simple idea and maybe if this is a one thought for the day thing maybe the very simple idea is if in jesus teachings and vision the most important thing in life is becoming a person of agape of love as defined by jesus hurry and love are as you would say incompatible [00:04:52]

and so recognizing that there's that japanese theologian kusuke koyama who has a beautiful little essay called three mile an hour god oh i don't know and i had to google it apparently three miles per hour is the speed of walking and he has this beautiful like short two-page meditation where he just says that god has a speed and it's a speed of love and love is a slow speed there's an internal speed as a pace to agape and the reason that god doesn't go quickly in our lives or in human history or in evolution or in the universe is because god is love and love has a speed to it [00:05:32]

so when the monks are against sloth and oversleep i think maybe they have a different definition of oversleep than we do so not eleven and a half hours just ten so you get up to pray you know so for people who are facing a day-to-day and you find yourself tempted to feel overwhelmed rushed you have too many things to do you're worried about them dallas had a little note on his refrigerator his wife jane said when he died it was on there and he had different words in addition to hurry that were connected with a hurlybury and harriet and you find yourself feeling that way let's take a breath right now [00:07:57]

you know it's it's the simplest things are always the hardest things but you know so much i think of spiritual formation comes at some point down to self-awareness and the ability to kind of see yourself and see how you are in the world and so i think it's sometimes it's just a matter and i don't have this down like by the way never write a book on ruthlessly eliminating hurry because if you're human and you have three children and you live in a city and you lead a church through covet and every time you feel hurried you will just feel like the greatest of all hypocrites you know apparently writing a book about something does not make it true of you [00:08:58]

but that that that habitual coming back like you know mindfulness they teach you when your mind wanders you don't berate yourself about it right you just you just notice it and you gently come back to your breath and i think with hurry which is a form of like christian mindfulness when you notice that you're hurried or harried or stressed or rushing don't berate yourself or judge yourself of course the whole world around us is designed to hurry you and designed to make everything as fast as it possibly can be so it's just a matter of noticing that and then coming back off into your breath so sometimes it'll just be like oh wow i'm really hurrying right now [00:09:39]

and yes look at the attendant sensations of anxiety of anger irritability all signs that i'm not in love because i'm not in flow because i'm not because i'm hurting and so what does it look to just kind of sometimes i'll just try to gently come back to my breath and just kind of take a deep breath and try to slow down my body and it's it's been forced me and this is not the the kind of vein of the christian church i grew up in but to a more ancient kind of orthodox historic view of christianity which they would call it embodied spirituality and viewing your body in biblical language as the temple of the holy spirit [00:10:11]

and really trying to this is why i think westerners like can't comprehend fasting for example because it's not cartesian you don't do fasting with your mind you're like not eating your way into maturity like we don't even have a paradigm like i can listen to podcasts i can read a book i can watch a devotional but not eating how is that but it's so transformative it's body based it's somatic so i think like trying to as willard would say let your body become an ally you know rather than an enemy and gently work with your body to cultivate the presence of god through just breathing in god's spirit and it really is possible [00:10:56]

so now we all get to practice that uh three miles an hour don't be in a hurry to turn off your cell phone don't be in a hurry to do whatever you have to do next today ruthlessly eliminate earth and when you forget just stop and eliminate it again thank you very much it's a gift god bless you john [00:11:44]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?