Ecclesiastes 4:4-8

“Hurry sickness” is an expression that has been coined to describe behavioral patterns involving the rapid pace at which we live, coupled with the volume of tasks we take on—and model for our children. God did not intend for us to “run ourselves ragged.” He instituted the Sabbath as a day of rest and dependence on Him. This week we’ll consider the importance of slowing down and honoring this holy day.

God's plan is for you to live a meaningful, impactful, and purposeful life, but sometimes things get in the way. What are the things that endanger God's plan for your life? What should you look out for when your purpose is at risk? This devotional is a manifesto for a life of meaning, relevance, and significance.

Christians are different. They can’t help it. When you’re born again and filled with the Spirit, it changes you. This leads to different values about right and wrong and a different lifestyle to match it. This series of 5-day plans uses the 10 Commandments (following the classic Augustinian ordering) as a vehicle for an alternative, Christ-like morality and Jesus' way of living.

Competition can be harmful when it becomes a source of worship for you—either you worship the glory itself or what the title of "athlete" gives you, things like money, influence, or identity. If you don’t know from the outset what you’re competing for, you’ll miss the real prize and be easily enticed away from your original passion for the game and the full use intended for your athletic gifts.