How to Slow Down and Simplify Your LifeChikamu

Who Are You Becoming?

As a kid, someone probably asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” If so, you likely responded by mentioning a job you wanted someday, like being an astronaut or a firefighter.

It would be strange if, as a child, you had responded by saying, “I want to be a loving family member, a reliable friend, and a faithful servant in a growing relationship with Jesus.” Why? Because even at an early age, we’re encouraged to spend more time focusing on what we hope to do, and less time on who we hope to become.

But when we read the stories of Jesus, it’s easy to see that He had a different way of seeing things. He seemed to care less about people’s occupations, titles, and achievements, and more about their forgiveness, kindness, and integrity.

One way we focus on the wrong things is when we focus too much on what we hope to do and less on who we’re becoming.

There’s nothing wrong with pursuing a relationship, a new job, a promotion, or a raise. But if our lives are defined by chasing a job title, an income level, or a relationship status, then we’re at risk of living a distracted, overcomplicated, and unhealthy life.

So let’s simplify by prioritizing who we’re becoming over what we’re doing. To start, read today’s verses. The last one contains a list of qualities every Jesus follower is called to pursue.

As you read, consider how you currently demonstrate these qualities in your life, and how you might position yourself as the kind of person who is becoming more like Jesus each day.

Resist the urge to feel guilty or compare yourself to others. Instead, reflect on how God is leading you to grow today.

Pursue a Simple Life

There are limitless distractions competing for our limited attention. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to resist the urge to be busy all the time and instead focus our lives on what matters most—our relationship with God, others, and ourselves.

So let’s consistently look for ways to focus on what matters most and eliminate needless distractions.

It’s a process that takes time, but it’s worth it.

Pray: Dear God, please help me to keep looking for ways to slow down and simplify my life. I don’t want busyness or distractions to keep me from the most important things in life. So lead me to be healthy, focused, and confident as I pursue You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Simplify your life by choosing a fruit of the Spirit to focus on this week. Ask yourself how you might allow that quality to be a part of who you’re becoming.

For more on habits of a healthy heart, visit www.life.church/healthyheart