In a faster world, maybe we need a slower church...?

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who live outside-in and those who live inside-out. The outside-in folks allow the world to saturate their thinking. They are sponges, absorbing the agendas of this world without a filter. Like the Roman Empire, they are destroyed from within. in contrast, those who live inside-out change the world with what’s inside them… It’s the difference between a black hole and a burning star. It’s more beautiful to explode in light than implode in darkness. And we all know that there are enough black holes in this world already.” -Godology: Because Knowing God Changes Everything” by Christian George

I am working hard at slowing down lately. Cultivating a hearing heart, listening more than talking, looking more than seeing. I have found a rich well of nourishment for my tired soul in this season. Resting in the spiritual truth that is found in sleeping. In the scriptures the day starts in the evening...when I go to sleep.

He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. -Psalm 121:3

Our time clocks call the day starting when I awake...when I arise and tell the world I am ready to work. But in God's kingdom the real work begins when i go to sleep. In light of all that needs to be done, all the suffering, all the ministry to do, all the family stuff to attend to...you realize in the biblical clock...God is the center not me.

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. -Psalm 127:2

So much of Christianity practice and understanding of mission isn't rooted in rest but anxiousness...not centered in His work but my labor. It's a man-centered gospel and in the end...it burns people out.

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." -Matthew 11:29-30 (The Message)

“Jesus was often busy but he was never hurried. Being busy is an outer condition; being hurried is a sickness of the soul.” -John Ortberg

With so many conversations and activity going on these days to build it bigger, better and faster...I am finding a delight in exploring ways to do the opposite....and that is a radical gospel path indeed.

In a faster world, maybe we need a slower church -Leighton Ford