Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World

In the modern world, three words seem to dominate the conversation: overwhelmed, overscheduled, and exhausted. It feels like we're all caught in this relentless race, constantly running on empty, stressed to the max.

But if we dive into the teachings of Jesus, he offers a different perspective. In Mark 12:28b-30, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This profound commandment reminds us of the significance of slowing down and truly connecting with God.

The humbling truth is, we can't genuinely love Jesus when we're always in a hurry. Rushing becomes the enemy of prayer, Bible study, and even being filled with the Holy Spirit. Many of us get so consumed with the hustle and bustle of life that we end up skimming the surface of our spiritual icebergs.

Jesus also taught about the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves. But if we're constantly on the move, how can we genuinely connect, talk, listen, and enjoy life with our loved ones?

So, here's a radical idea: We must eliminate hurry and rush from our lives. But how? Here are some steps inspired by the teachings of both Moses and Paul:

1. Accept Your Limits: We're all human, with emotional, physical, and mental boundaries. Instead of seeing these limits as constraints, embrace them as gifts. They're there to protect us from burnout and ensure we prioritize what truly matters.
2. Learn to Say "No": It's a simple word, but oh-so-powerful. Saying "no" gives you the freedom to choose what aligns with your values and God's purpose for you. Remember, even Jesus had boundaries. He didn't heal every person or travel to every corner of the Earth. Yet, he fulfilled his purpose.
3. Fight for Margin: Life will always throw unexpected challenges our way. By creating a margin in our schedules, we're better equipped to handle these situations without spiraling into stress. This space allows us to breathe, reflect, and connect with God on a deeper level.

Moses, in Psalm 90, highlights the brevity of life. With the average lifespan being around 77.28 years in the USA, every moment is precious. Life is filled with both joy and pain, but it's crucial to remember that pain is temporary. At the end of our journey, we find solace in Jesus.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians also sheds light on living wisely. He urges us to be intentional with our time, making the most of every opportunity. This doesn't mean cramming our schedules with endless tasks. Instead, it's about focusing on what truly matters: our relationship with God, our loved ones, and our personal growth.
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In conclusion, if we want to relate to God in an emotionally healthy way, it's time to step out of the fast lane. Embrace your limits, learn to say "no," and create margin in your life. In doing so, we can deepen our connection with God and experience the richness of a life lived with purpose and passion.

- Adapted from sermons preached at our Walloon Lake campuses on 10/29/23.