The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

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

By: John Mark Comer, John Ortberg - foreword

Narrated by: John Mark Comer, Kris Koscheski

Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

ECPA best seller • A compelling emotional and spiritual case against hurry and in favor of a slower, simpler way of life

"As someone all too familiar with ‘hurry sickness,’ I desperately needed this book." (Scott Harrison, New York Times best-selling author of Thirst)

"Who am I becoming?"

That was the question nagging pastor and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But inwardly, things weren’t pretty. So, he turned to a trusted mentor for guidance and heard these words:

"Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life."

It wasn’t the response he expected, but it was - and continues to be - the answer he needs. Too often, we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness, as a root of much evil.

Within this audiobook, you’ll find a fascinating road map to staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.

©2019 John Mark Comer (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

“As someone all too familiar with ‘hurry sickness’, I desperately needed this book.” (Scott Harrison, New York Times best-selling author of Thirst)

“Necessary. Freeing.” (Annie F. Downs, best-selling author of 100 Days to Brave and Remember God)

“There are those rare books that every single waking person needs to immediately go read. This is that book. We’ve found no better conversation or a more much-needed antidote to our culture’s problem of busyness and hurry than John Mark’s words in this book. Beyond helpful and encouraging and insightful to us!” (Alyssa and Jefferson Bethke, New York Times best-selling authors of Jesus > Religion and Love That Lasts) 

Pedantic and Patronizing

As a thoughtful Christian myself, I was hoping for more than self aggrandizing to-do list in book form. The author assumes a simple audience who needs guidance on the minute external details of “how to do life”, rather than focusing on the deeper reasons we tend toward business and hurry. What is behind our need for productivity or distraction? What’s the desire in my heart I’m seeking to answer with this “other”, instead of Christ? Cherry picked statistics and socio-political themes woven with a surface level and performance oriented religious “way” turned me off completely. Ironically, during his chapter “Slowly”, I turned up my reading speed to 1.6 just to get it over with. This one is a big thumbs down for me.

Transformative

A fan of JMC's teaching and writing style, I couldn't wait to listen to this narrative and it did not disappoint. Comer's well worn teaching's on Sabbath wove their way into another book (similar content to Garden City), but the remainder was full of content that was new, insightful, educational and transformative. I took away many tangible/tactical ways that I can be more like Jesus by slowing down like hiding social media apps, minimizing possessions, using a budget, not rushing while driving or at the grocery store, re-wearing outfits. I hope that those ideas don't discourage you from reading the book. Yes, they are challenging but and all very difficult to do in the world we live in but Comer's Biblical knowledge and gentle teaching style allow the WHY behind the ideas to be received as an invitation to the lifestyle that you actually truly desire - to be more like Jesus and live with His easy yoke. I am excited for the challenge ahead to change habits and live in the truth presented in the book so that I can rest easier in this world and be more content with what I have. I have needed a good motivation to do this. My soul desperately needed to hear what was contained in the book because I am very burdened by this world. I would encourage every Christ follower AND every burnt out, over booked, busy person in the world to read it and be encouraged that there is an alternative way to live. Jesus wasn't in a hurry and we can find inner peace when we're not either. Thanks John Mark for using your gifts on another incredible piece.

Too political

Love the overall message but the continuous inserts and liberalism stopped me from finishing. I agree with every point but man... keep your philosophy of politics to a minimum

John Mark’s most helpful work

I’ve been following the teachings and writings of John Mark Comer since I was a 15-year-old new believer living in Portland, OR (12 years ago). I’ve always respected his intellectual and reverend perspective on the Gospel and while listening to this new book, I was pleasantly convicted as well as refreshed. He undoubtedly has found a much deeper level of peace in his walk with Jesus and this information should be put to good use by anyone willing to pause and listen.
I’ve also been following his teachings with “The Way of Jesus” in CA as well as his sermons at his home church on the topic (podcasts) of hurry/the spiritual disciplines and even in his tone and demeanor, you can see how this revelation of deeper relationship with God has truly changed him into a more at-peace and joy-filled person.
Do your soul a favor and don’t just read this book but follow the principals and find rest.

My favorite book next to the Bible

This book was engaging from beginning to end. It really is the most revelant topic of our age - society at large is living rat race to nowhere. This book thoroughly tackles that subject in such a refreshing and practical way. So much more to be said but I'm going to have to listen to the book again to elaborate. Also bonus points for the author actually reading, that made it so much more enjoyable.

Oil Change

Not to try to seem overly "clever" but I imagined that my life has been consistently going and going. I finally stop for an "oil change" and inspection and I learned things that could cause my "car " to not last as long as it probably should. An easy and encouraging listen!

To slow down or not to slow down

Perfect book for this time of quarentine. Being able to apply change right away based on skills and strategies to help you become closer to Jesus. I am excited to slow down and live a life of simplicity.

A convicting (and needed) read

John Mark Comer is a very very clever writer. When I came into this book I was frustrated with much of Christianity, I was questioning if living a life with Jesus was worth while.

I really like how John pulls from other authors and experts. The amount of sources he pulls in to this is mind boggling. Likewise, as he spoke about a few different things like minimalism and the need for daily devotion I found myself frustrated all the while thinking, “he does have a good point.”

All in all, after reading this book I still find myself frustrated with much of the Christianity I see in the world, but John’s perspective towards how a life without (or at least with less) hurry leads us towards Christ gave me hope for what could be. I still question what life with Jesus looks like... but the more I think about it, the more I’m beginning to think that a life with Jesus that’s worth living is one that starts with eliminating hurry.

Loved it!

This book was thought provoking, impactful... if principles applied, life changing! Will definitely listen again.

Grateful for this resource!

Wonderful invitation to the Easy Yoke. Great presentation of research, contributing to a compelling argument for shedding hurry and all it's residue. Loved this book!