‘Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.’
(Romans 12:2 NLT)
I’m really going to try and not make this sound like I’ve got a bee in my bonnet (British turn of phrase for when someone has a frustration they’re struggling to contain!)
But can we please all get off this ever-increasingly speedy, invisible treadmill?!
As I sit here typing, I am listening to instrumental worship music.
It is soothing.
It is calming.
It is peaceful.
And it cuts directly against the kind of morning I have had!
I work in creative media and often things happen in front of a camera. Inevitably, this means that things need to move at a fast pace with high energy so as to keep the various audiences engaged.
This rhythm is not my natural rhythm.
Yet, I believe that it is the rhythm many of us have become accustomed to.
Why? Because it has become our culture.
Now, I am not against achievement, energy or getting stuff done – by no means. I love a list and I love ticking that list off.
But when did our world start moving at such a cut-throat, fast pace?
But when did our world start moving at such a cut-throat, fast pace?
If you are a follower of Jesus, you are called to behave and live in such a way that cuts against the harmful behaviours and customs of the world.
I am not attacking the on-camera activity and energy that I was a part of this morning. I understand that energy is needed to lift the audience and keep people interested and focused. But I do not believe we are created to live at this pace long-term or consistently throughout our days.
I remember when I moved to London in my mid-twenties. I was exhausted for 2 weeks straight! I would get up, go to work, come home, eat and get into bed….for two weeks! This is how long it took me to get up to speed with my new city.
Things moved fast there.
Tasks, tasks, tasks!
Move, move, move!
Achieve, achieve, achieve!
Go, go, go!
It did something to my soul. Something that wasn’t positive.
I began to become impatient with people.
I would tut when someone stood on the wrong side of the escalator in the tube station.
I would shoot a cross look at the person in front of me who was talking to the cashier, rather than just completing their transaction and moving on!
What?!
If you are a follower of Jesus, you are called to behave and live in such a way that cuts against the harmful behaviours and customs of the world.
If you are familiar with the fruits of the Spirit, you’ll know that this is not how God intended for us to live – frustrated and permanently annoyed.
Fruits of the Spirit look like love, joy, peace, patience and kindness (see Galatians 5:22-23).
In my 41 years of experience I have learned that these kinds of attributes can only be developed in a person’s character when they have balance.
This is where Sabbath and rest come in.
I am a passionate advocate of an intentional sabbath and deliberately powering down – daily – for some rest.
It aggravates my soul now when I feel harassed and hurried. I can’t operate at that pace. I would rather tap out.
So, my encouragement to you today is this: if you don’t already have a weekly sabbath day planned into your diary, please make every effort to get it in there. It will refuel, refresh and revitalise you to the point where the remaining 6 days are a joy because you are operating out of a place of rest and peace, not rush and hurry.
Secondly, consider minor habit changes – daily – that will enable you to live with a less harassed soul.
I am currently reading a book as part of a coaching course that I have embarked upon this year and it delves into the habits and practices that enable us to refresh and find rest.
> Things such as switching your phone off at night.
> Turning off notifications in your mobile phone settings.
> Pausing during the day, if only for a short while, to breathe and re-centre yourself.
These seemingly small practices can reap dividends in your heart, mind and soul.
Why not pray and ask God how you can slow down, practice a sabbath and get some rest?
I’m sure He would have a lot to say about it too.
Living The Jesus Life 