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How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World

4.4 (330 ratings)
25 mins

Brief summary

'The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry' by John Mark Comer is a guide to slowing down and embracing a more intentional lifestyle. It invites readers to disconnect from the chaos of modern society and rediscover the importance of rest, solitude, and spiritual practices.

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    The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
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    Pastor John Mark Comer realized that being too busy was destroying his health, relationships, and his connection to his faith. 

    Our lives are composed of a series of moments. But what if you’re so busy and stressed that you can’t appreciate the moment you’re in? 

    Comer was very successful on paper. He had a rapidly growing church in Portland, Oregon. Every year a thousand new members joined – testimony to his powers as a pastor. He was married with kids and the author of several books. 

    But underneath all these accomplishments he felt a constant buzz of anxiety. 

    He worked six days a week and taught up to six classes per day. His relationships with his staff were tense because he snapped at them, his stress spilling over onto the people around him. At night, he would slump on the couch, mindlessly watching Kung Fu movies. He felt hollow and depleted, like a ghost in his own life. 

    On a plane ride home from London, he had a revelation. He asked himself, Who am I becoming? He realized that while he had grown a successful church, he had gone further away from his spiritual mission. He’d become like the CEO of a large organization, stuck in meetings all day. But his passion lay in connecting with his congregants.

    He sucked up all his courage and told the leadership of his church that he was resigning. Instead of overseeing all the operations of the megachurch, he wanted to follow his heart to Portland’s inner city and become pastor of the lone small church there. They accepted his resignation, and he was free.

    For the first six months, he completely crashed because of all his accumulated exhaustion. He also felt like he had to detox from the busy lifestyle he’d been living, almost as if all the stress had been a drug. 

    Gradually he was able to recover emotionally and spiritually. He had time to play with his kids, walk the dog, go to therapy. 

    To an external observer, he had become much less successful: from leader of a megachurch with many branches and thousands of congregants to pastor of a small, obscure church in Portland’s inner city. However, he knew that for him real success meant having emotional and spiritual health and that he was on the right track. 

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    What is The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry about?

    In The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (2019), Pastor John Mark Comer tells us how being too busy destroyed his mental health, affected his relationships, and weakened his connection to his faith. By slowing down and limiting his commitments, he gained happiness and wellbeing in every area of his life. Here he shares four simple practices that will allow you to experience the delights of a hurry-free life. 

    The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Review

    The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (2019) by John Mark Comer is a must-read for anyone seeking to escape the fast-paced, stress-filled modern world. Here's why this book is worth your time:

    • It offers insightful analysis and practical solutions to combat the constant busyness and restore a sense of peace and purpose in your life.
    • With a unique blend of Biblical wisdom, psychological research, and personal stories, the book provides a holistic approach to finding balance and living with intention.
    • It challenges societal norms and inspires reflections on our values and priorities, nudging readers towards a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

    Best quote from The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

    Life is a series of choices. Every yes is a thousand nos 

    —John Mark Comer
    example alt text

    Who should read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry?

    • People who feel much too busy but don’t know how to get off the hamster wheel 
    • Christians who are interested in an insightful, modern interpretation of the Bible
    • Anyone interested in how technology has changed our lives

    About the Author

    John Mark Comer is the pastor of the Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. He has a masters degree in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary. His previous books My Name is Hope and Loveology are intimate explorations of anxiety, depression, and marriage from a spiritual perspective. He also co-hosts the podcast This Cultural Moment, about the complexity of living spiritual lives in the modern world.

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    The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry?

    The main message of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is the importance of slowing down and finding rest in a fast-paced world.

    How long does it take to read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry?

    The reading time for The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in approximately 15 minutes.

    Is The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is a valuable read for anyone looking to find more peace and intention in their lives. It offers practical insights on slowing down and embracing a slower pace.

    Who is the author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry?

    The author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry is John Mark Comer.

    What to read after The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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