Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, online, or search ‘The Stewardology Podcast’ in your favorite podcast app.
What Does “Busy” Really Mean?
Have you ever noticed that almost everyone you talk to asks, “How are you doing?” And almost automatically, the response is, “Oh, I’ve been busy!” But what does “busy” really mean?
A playful way to unpack it is:
B – Being
U – Under
S – Satan’s
Y – Yoke
Of course, this isn’t a universal truth. But it does make you pause. Are we truly living, or are we simply trapped in a cycle of endless activity?
Consider Jesus. His days were full—he taught, healed, prayed, and mourned—but he never seemed to be in a hurry. He stopped for people. He took time to pray. His busyness never became a burden.
As we approach the end of the year, this is an important question to ask ourselves: Can we slow down and really experience life, instead of simply rushing through it?
Why Slowing Down Matters for Your Soul
Slowing down isn’t just about reducing your calendar events, it’s about restoring your soul. It’s about giving yourself space to be present, to pray, to reflect, and to savor the moments God gives you.
John Mark Comer, in his book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, explores this idea in depth. While these aren’t Biblical laws, they complement the command from Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”
We live in a fast-paced world that leaves little room for contemplation. Our minds are constantly moving, and our bodies follow at an exhausting pace. Comer reminds us that our bodies and souls are connected:
“Slow down your body, slow down your life. We are embodied creatures. Whole people. Our minds are the portals to the whole person. So how we think has all sorts of ramifications for how we experience life with God. If we can slow down the pace at which we move our body through the world, maybe we can slow down our souls at a pace where we can taste and see that the Lord is good, and that life in His world is good.”
20 Practical Ways to Slow Down Your Life (from John Mark Comer)
John Mark Comer offers 20 practical principles to guide us in slowing down. Here are some ways you can start today:
- Drive the speed limit.
- Get into the slow lane.
- Come to a full stop at stop signs.
- Don’t text and drive.
- Show up ten minutes early for an appointment, sans phone.
- Get in the longest checkout line at the grocery store.
- Turn your smartphone into a dumbphone.
- Get a flip phone—or ditch your cell phone altogether.
- Parent your phone; put it to bed before you and make it sleep in.
- Keep your phone off until after your morning quiet time.
- Set times for checking email.
- Set a time and a time limit for social media—or just get off it entirely.
- Kill your TV.
- Single-task instead of multitasking.
- Walk slower.
- Take a regular day alone for silence and solitude.
- Take up journaling.
- Experiment with mindfulness and meditation (carefully!).
- If possible, take long vacations.
- Cook your own food and eat in.
(Buy the book here → The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry)
Enter This Season with Intention
As we enter the season of remembering Christ’s coming and prepare for a new year, our prayer is simple: take time to slow down. Don’t just survive your calendar—live your life. Reflect. Pray. Engage with God and with those around you.
A busy life may feel productive, but a slowed-down life feels full. And in the end, it’s in those moments of stillness that we truly taste and see that the Lord is good.
Next Steps
- Take advantage of our free personal stewardship reviews so you can take your next steps to being a better steward.
- Send us your questions, comments and thoughts.
- Subscribe on your favorite podcast provider so you never miss an episode.
- Leave a 5-Star Rating & Review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Material presented is property of The Stewardology Podcast, a ministry of Life Financial Group and Life Institute. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, create derivative works, or exploit any content without the expressed written permission of The Stewardology Podcast. For more information, contact us at Contact@StewardologyPodcast.com or (800) 688-5800.
The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations. Investing and investment strategies involve risk including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc Member FINRA/SIPC