Series: Authentic Living in an Artificial World – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
Again and again, we must admit that one of the biggest enemies of our spirituality is hurry. We are so busy, so distracted and so preoccupied that we settle for something less than the authentic Christian life. Real Christians, on the other hand, have learned the value of lingering, and this will be our topic of discussion today.
THE EPIDEMIC OF HURRY SICKNESS
Symptoms of the disease:
1. Constantly trying to speed up activities
2. Multiple tasking
3. Clutter
4. Superficiality
5. Inability to love
6. Sunset fatigue
DEVELOPING THE FOUR S’s OF A LINGERING HEART
1. Slowing
Luke 10:41, “Marta, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are too worried and upset about many things.” We should cultivate patience by deliberately placing ourselves in situations where we simply have to wait.
2. Silence
Psalm 46:1, Be still and know that I am God.
Ecclesiastes 3:7, There is a time to speak and a time to be silent.
Silence is an unwelcome stranger for many of us, but is a discipline that we must learn.
3. Solitude
Mark 6:32, Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said the them, “Come with by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
4. Sabbath
Exodus 20:8, Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. The Sabbath is not a time of running away, but a time to get a proper perspective.
FIVE REMARKABLE RESULTS OF LINGERING
1. A new revelation of Christ
Hebrews 11:6, God is a reward of them who diligently seek him.
2. A compelling love and a calm contentment
Psalm 23:2, He causes me to live down in contentment in green pastures.
3. Faith becomes an integral force within my soul
Romans 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
4. A gladness of heart
Psalm 16:11, In thy presences is fullness of joy; in thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
5. Rest and Peace
Matthew 11:28, Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.