The Busy Christian's Guide to Busyness by Tim Chester
Week 2: Chapter 1 — Are You Too Busy? (Diagnosing the Problem)
Read Chapter 1 of The Busy Christian's Guide to Busyness. Key passages to consider: Ecclesiastes 2:17-23; Luke 10:38-42.
Previewing Week 2 of The Busy Christian's Guide to Busyness
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 11-week guide when you’re ready.
Chester's first chapter begins the work of honest diagnosis, asking us to look not just at our schedules but at what our schedules say about us. Read slowly and resist the urge to skip to the solutions.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Chester introduces the idea that our busyness functions as a kind of mirror — it reflects our values, fears, and functional beliefs. What has your schedule revealed about what you actually value, as opposed to what you say you value?
2.He draws attention to the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. Martha is 'distracted by all the preparations,' while Mary chooses 'the one thing needed.' How does Chester use this story? Do you think it is fair to use it as a text about busyness, or does that read too much into it?
3.Chester suggests that we often add activities to our lives without ever removing anything, so that our lives become perpetually more full. Why is subtraction so much harder than addition when it comes to commitments? What makes saying 'no' feel threatening?
a.Think of a specific commitment you have taken on in the last year. What would it have cost you — emotionally, relationally, reputationally — to say no to it?
b.Looking back, should you have said no? What would have been different?