The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

John Mark Comer's The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry addresses the pervasive issue of busyness and hurry in modern life, drawing from both personal experience and biblical principles to advocate for a more intentional, restful way of living. Comer, a pastor and author, presents the idea that the constant rush and pressure of contemporary life is detrimental to both spiritual and emotional well-being, and he offers practical advice for slowing down, simplifying, and reconnecting with God.

The Problem of Hurry

The book begins with Comer recounting his own struggles with hurry. As a pastor of a rapidly growing church, he found himself constantly overwhelmed, stressed, and disconnected from his family and spiritual life. This personal crisis led him to re-evaluate the pace at which he was living and to seek a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life.

Comer identifies hurry as a key obstacle to spiritual growth and intimacy with God. He argues that the speed and busyness of modern life are antithetical to the teachings of Jesus, who modeled a life of deliberate pace, solitude, and deep connection with God. According to Comer, the hurried life not only leaves us exhausted and burnt out but also robs us of the ability to live fully in the present moment and to engage deeply with God and others.

The Roots of Hurry

Comer traces the roots of hurry back to cultural and technological developments, particularly the invention of the clock and the Industrial Revolution, which shifted society's relationship with time. The advent of the smartphone and the internet has further exacerbated the problem, making it possible to be connected and busy around the clock. Comer argues that this constant connectivity and the pressure to be productive have led to a culture that values busyness as a virtue, often at the expense of well-being.

He also points to the consumerist mindset as a contributor to hurry. The constant pursuit of more—more possessions, more achievements, more experiences—drives people to fill their lives with activities and responsibilities, leaving little room for rest, reflection, or meaningful relationships.

The Way of Jesus

Central to Comer's message is the idea that the solution to hurry is found in the life and teachings of Jesus. He emphasizes that Jesus was never in a hurry and often withdrew from crowds and activities to spend time in solitude and prayer. Comer explores the concept of the "easy yoke" from Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites his followers to take on his yoke, which is easy and light, as opposed to the heavy burdens they often carry.

Comer interprets this passage as an invitation to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus, one characterized by simplicity, rest, and a deep, unhurried connection with God. He argues that following Jesus means not just adopting his teachings but also his pace of life, which is marked by deliberate slowness, attentiveness, and a focus on what truly matters.

Practices for Unhurried Living

The bulk of the book is dedicated to practical advice on how to eliminate hurry and embrace a more restful, intentional way of life. Comer draws on spiritual disciplines and practices that have been part of the Christian tradition for centuries, offering them as tools for resisting the cultural pressure to hurry.

1. Silence and Solitude

Comer advocates for regular times of silence and solitude as a way to reconnect with God and recalibrate one's soul. In a world filled with noise and distraction, he argues that silence is essential for hearing God's voice and for gaining clarity and perspective. Solitude, on the other hand, allows for self-reflection and for being fully present with God without the demands of others.

Comer suggests setting aside daily times for silence and solitude, whether through morning devotions, retreats, or simply unplugging from technology. These practices help to slow down the mind and heart, making space for God to speak and for the soul to rest.

2. Sabbath

Another key practice Comer emphasizes is the Sabbath, a day of rest that is rooted in the biblical creation narrative and the Ten Commandments. Comer argues that Sabbath is not just a day off but a holy day set apart for rest, worship, and delight. It is a counter-cultural practice that resists the relentless pursuit of productivity and invites people to experience the goodness of God and creation.

Comer encourages readers to reclaim the Sabbath by setting aside one day a week for rest and worship, free from work, shopping, or other distractions. This practice, he suggests, is essential for breaking the cycle of busyness and for cultivating a deeper relationship with God and others.

3. Simplicity

Comer also advocates for the practice of simplicity, which involves decluttering both one's physical space and one's schedule. He argues that the pursuit of more—whether in terms of possessions, activities, or achievements—often leads to a crowded and chaotic life. By simplifying, individuals can create more space for the things that truly matter, such as relationships, spiritual growth, and meaningful work.

Comer offers practical tips for simplifying, such as decluttering one's home, setting limits on technology use, and prioritizing activities that align with one's values and calling. The goal of simplicity is to create a life that is not only less hurried but also more focused and fulfilling.

4. Slowing

Finally, Comer introduces the practice of "slowing," which involves deliberately reducing the speed at which one lives. This might mean walking instead of driving, doing one thing at a time instead of multitasking, or simply learning to wait without impatience. Slowing down, Comer argues, helps to counteract the culture of hurry and to cultivate a more mindful and present way of living.

He suggests practical ways to incorporate slowing into daily life, such as choosing the longest checkout line at the grocery store, driving in the slow lane, or practicing deep breathing and mindfulness throughout the day. These small acts of slowing down can help to train the mind and body to resist the urge to hurry and to be more present in each moment.

The Benefits of Unhurried Living

Throughout the book, Comer highlights the benefits of adopting an unhurried lifestyle. He argues that eliminating hurry leads to greater peace, joy, and contentment, as well as deeper relationships with God and others. When people slow down and make space for rest and reflection, they are better able to hear God's voice, to experience His presence, and to live in alignment with His will.

Comer also suggests that an unhurried life is more sustainable and fulfilling in the long run. Rather than constantly striving for more and burning out, individuals who embrace a slower pace are able to live with greater balance and purpose. They are more attuned to their own needs and the needs of others, and they are better able to experience the beauty and wonder of life.

Conclusion: A Call to Radical Change

In The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer calls for a radical reorientation of life away from the culture of busyness and towards the way of Jesus. He challenges readers to take seriously the impact of hurry on their spiritual and emotional well-being and to make intentional changes to their lifestyles in order to create space for God, rest, and meaningful relationships.

The book is both a critique of modern culture and a practical guide for those seeking to live more fully in alignment with God's design. Comer’s message is clear: the way of Jesus is incompatible with a hurried life, and true discipleship requires a deliberate, unhurried pace that makes room for the things that truly matter. By embracing the practices of silence, Sabbath, simplicity, and slowing, readers can experience the peace, joy, and intimacy with God that comes from living at the pace of grace.