The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

🌟 Overview & Why It MattersEver feel rushed all the time—even in church, in devotion, in home life? This book taps into that cultural anxiety and says: Jesus lived slower so we could too. Comer diagnoses hurry as the modern enemy of rest and soul health. As Christian leaders and families, this matters because busyness isn’t just fatigued knees—it’s a spiritual risk.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Age Recommendation & Content Alert
​

• Recommended Age: 14+ for youth groups and adults.
• Language: Clean.
  • No profanity.
• Sensitive Themes:
  • Mental and emotional burnout.
  • Suggestive content related to fast-paced living, not mature themes.
• Spiritual Focus: Deeply rooted in Scripture about Sabbath, solitude, and simplicitydavidandsuzi.com+9simplyelliott.com+9orchardhillchurch.com+9davidandsuzi.comreddit.com.

✅ Key Takeaways & Spiritual Insight

• Silence & Solitude as Spiritual Practices
  • Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place (Mark 1:35). Comer invites us there, away from noise.
• Reclaiming Sabbath
  • Not just “time off”—but a weekly reminder that we’re saved, not producers (Exodus 20:8–11) .
• Embracing Simplicity
  • Wealth doesn’t increase joy beyond a threshold—contentment matters more than possessionscitybibleforum.org.
• Slowing Our Pace
  • Slow living refreshes the soul and improves all we do, spiritually and practically.

⚠️ Christian Cautions

• Faith vs. Works Balance:
  • Some say Comer minimizes the Gospel, focusing more on obedience than grace orchardhillchurch.com.
• Risk of Moralism:
  • Urge to “adopt Jesus’ lifestyle” can unintentionally drive performance-based devotionmygospelcity.org+6davidandsuzi.com+6richardblackaby.com+6.
• Ecumenical Borrowing:
  • Quotes from spiritual mystics and Dallas Willard—great if you balance with Scripture, but potential for confusion.

🚨 The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

✔️ The Good - Reclaims spiritual rhythms: silence, Sabbath, simplicity, slownessSome readers feel it “lacks Gospel depth” and leans into worksmygospelcity.org+4davidandsuzi.com+4reddit.com+4reddit.com+2orchardhillchurch.com+2citybibleforum.org+2

Biblically anchored reflections on Jesus’ lifestyle Occasional academic tone may alienate casual readersBlurring between spiritual formation & salvation

​⚠️ The Bad - Could produce guilt in those already spiritually weary

💔 The Ugly - Sparks conversation on culture, burnout, and spiritual healthBorrowing from mystics may require discernmentMay feel like another “spiritual to‑do list” without gospel roots

🧭 Biblical Compass Check

• On Solitude/Prayer: Mark 1:35 – Jesus prioritized silence
• On Sabbath: Exodus 20:8 – God commands rest
• On Simplicity: 1 Timothy 6:6 – contentment is true gain
• On Grace: Ephesians 2:8–9 – we are saved by grace, not by practices

💡 Takeaway for Christian Families & LeadersThis book is a spiritual wake-up call for busy believers. But don’t read it alone—read it with your Bible open. Debate, discuss, and remember: Slower living is a gift, not a work on your soul’s performance record.

• For families: Create Sabbath rituals even with young kids—no tech, just presence.
• On youth retreats: Build in periods of silence or simple walks with Scripture.
• For leaders: Encourage staff to model Jesus’ rhythm—not grind culture.

🔗 Your Next Faith MoveHungry for more spiritually guided book insights? Check out our Review Hub for curated recommendations.

If you’re feeling worn down spiritually or craving rest in Christ, we invite you to FamMemphis.org. Prayer, coaching, community—you're not alone.

🌿 Rest is not rebellion—it’s obedience to the One who says “Come to Me and I will give you rest.”(Matthew 11:28)