‘Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world.’ Romans 12:2 NLT

Our high-tech society is producing stressed-out people. Next year we will have even less time because statistically for every hour technology saves you, it consumes two more. Author Keri Wyatt Kent writes: ‘Every time you say “yes” to something, you’re saying “no” to other options. Activity cloaked in “Christian window-dressing”, is still activity. Don’t copy the behaviour… of this world; our world is hurried. Take time to listen and care. The hallmark of a Christian is love, and you can’t love in a hurry.’ So to slow down you need to:

(1) Simplify your life. ‘Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.’ (Matthew 6:25 NIV) Put God first and everything else will follow. When Marlene Eissens decided to change careers, she set out for university with only the stuff she could fit in her car. Today she’s in ministry. She has a house, but resists filling it, and anything she hasn’t used for six months goes to charity. She says, ‘I feel real freedom because with less stuff I’m free to focus on God.’

(2) Keep the Sabbath. Set aside at least one day a week to spend time with God, talking with Him about the purpose of what you’re doing. Rest, be with your loved ones, and fellowship with your church family.

(3) ’Be satisfied with… [what you have].’ (Hebrews 13:5 AMPC) You’ll still be tempted to hurry and wish for more or nicer stuff, but you’ll grow closer to God by making more space in your life for Him. As J.I. Packer says, ‘We dishonour God when we proclaim a Saviour who satisfies, and then go around discontent.’

SoulFood: 2 Chr 32–34, John 14:15–25, Ps 118:19–29, Pro 28:5–8

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©