I recently read an interesting article called "Distracted from God - A Five Year Worldwide Study" by Michael Zigarelli, author of the book, Freedom from Busyness.
Mr. Zigarelli explains that both internal obstacles (pride, fear, greed, etc.) and external obstacles (cultural conditioning, legal constraints, etc.) combine to make daily surrender a challenge. He compares that fact with the call of God which says, "whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 2.6)
Busyness, hurry overload, burnout, over-extension -- these are all descriptors of a common way of life revealed by Zigarelli's 5-year study. This way of life is characterized as an accelerated pace and activity level such that it "distracts us from God and separates us from the abundant, joyful, victorious life He desires for us."
The professionals with the most to say, "I rush from task to task." (54%) are pastors.
Now what can overcome this hurried, busy lifestyle? Believe it or not, there actually is a website dedicated to slowing down. It's www.slowdownnow.org. Although the site may appear a bit hedonistic, there really is a benefit to slowing down. Here are a few "slow down secrets":
- Write down these words and place them where you can see them, "Multitasking is a moral weakness"
- Try the “One Minute Slow Exercise.” (Slow down for just one minute. If you are walking, slow down the pace. If you are driving, ease up on the pedal. Slow down your rate of speech. Did you notice anything different?)
- Do not be pushed into answering a question right away. Take your time.
Michael Zigarelli has written a book to address this addiction to busyness. It can be obtained from LifeWay.
Learn to beat busyness and you'll be serving strong!
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