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Crazy Busy

Crazy Busy

A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem
by Kevin DeYoung 2013 124 pages
4.10
8k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Busyness is a universal struggle, but it's not inevitable

I've yet to meet anyone in America who responds to the question "How are you?" with the reply, "Well for starters, I'm not very busy."

Busyness is pervasive. From high school students to retirees, nearly everyone feels overwhelmed by responsibilities, commitments, and expectations. This sense of being unrelentingly busy cuts across demographics, careers, and lifestyles.

But it's not inevitable. While some degree of activity is natural and good, the frantic pace many experience is often self-imposed. It stems from misplaced priorities, an inability to say no, and a failure to intentionally structure our time. By understanding the roots of our busyness and making deliberate choices, we can cultivate a healthier, more balanced approach to life and work.

2. Pride fuels our busyness and shapes our priorities

People often call it low self-esteem, but people-pleasing is actually a form of pride and narcissism.

Pride manifests in various ways. It drives us to overcommit out of a desire for approval, recognition, or a sense of indispensability. We say yes to too many things because we want to be seen as capable, important, or virtuous.

Examine your motivations. Ask yourself: Am I doing this to truly serve others or to make myself look good? Are my commitments driven by a genuine call from God or by a need to prove my worth? Recognizing the role of pride in our busyness is the first step to addressing it. Cultivate humility by acknowledging your limitations, being willing to disappoint others, and focusing on serving rather than impressing.

3. We're not called to do everything, even good things

I can always pray right now.

Embrace your limits. God doesn't expect you to solve every problem or meet every need. Even Jesus didn't heal everyone or go everywhere during His earthly ministry. Accept that you can't do it all, and that's okay.

Focus on your specific calling. Instead of trying to address every worthy cause, concentrate on the areas where God has specifically gifted and called you. When faced with needs or opportunities, pray immediately if you can't act directly. Trust that God will use others to meet needs you can't address. Remember that saying no to some good things allows you to say yes to the best things God has for you.

4. Effective service requires setting clear priorities

I can't serve others effectively without setting priorities.

Identify your core priorities. Take time to prayerfully consider and articulate your most important responsibilities and callings. These might include specific roles (e.g., spouse, parent, church leader) or broader areas of focus (e.g., evangelism, mentoring, creative work).

Establish "posteriorities." Decide what you will not do, even if they are good things. This might mean declining certain opportunities, delegating tasks, or stepping back from commitments that don't align with your core priorities. Remember that effective service often means doing a few things well rather than many things poorly.

  • Regularly review and adjust your priorities
  • Communicate your priorities clearly to others
  • Be willing to disappoint people for the sake of your calling

5. Overparenting and anxiety about kids breeds busyness

Parenting may be the last bastion of legalism.

Reject the myth of perfect parenting. Many parents operate under the mistaken belief that their children's success or failure depends entirely on their parenting choices. This leads to overcommitment, anxiety, and a loss of perspective.

Embrace a more balanced approach.

  • Focus on character formation rather than micromanaging every aspect of your child's life
  • Allow for age-appropriate independence and risk-taking
  • Prioritize your relationship with your children over endless activities and achievements
  • Remember that your ultimate goal is to point your children to Christ, not to guarantee their worldly success

Trust in God's sovereignty over your children's lives. Your faithful, imperfect efforts are enough when combined with His grace.

6. Technology and constant connectivity strangle our souls

Deep calls to deep, but we've settled for a satisfying shallowness.

Recognize the spiritual toll of constant connectivity. Our devices, while useful, can become addictive and prevent us from engaging in deeper reflection, prayer, and relationships. The constant stream of information and interaction keeps us in a state of shallow busyness.

Intentionally disconnect. Create boundaries around your use of technology:

  • Establish tech-free times and zones in your home
  • Practice regular "digital sabbaths"
  • Turn off notifications and limit social media use
  • Rediscover offline hobbies and face-to-face interactions

Cultivate the ability to be alone with your thoughts and with God. Remember that true depth in relationships, creativity, and spiritual growth often requires periods of uninterrupted focus and reflection.

7. Regular rhythms of work and rest are essential

If Jesus had to live with human limitations, we'd be foolish to think we don't.

Embrace the gift of limitations. God designed us to need regular rest, both daily (sleep) and weekly (Sabbath). Ignoring these limits leads to burnout, decreased effectiveness, and spiritual dryness.

Establish healthy rhythms.

  • Prioritize adequate sleep (7-9 hours for most adults)
  • Keep a consistent weekly Sabbath for worship and rest
  • Build breaks and downtime into your daily schedule
  • Plan for seasons of more intense work and seasons of recovery

Remember that rest is not laziness; it's an act of faith, acknowledging that God is in control and that our worth doesn't come from constant productivity. Jesus modeled this rhythm of engagement and withdrawal, and we are called to follow His example.

8. Some forms of busyness are godly and unavoidable

To serve is to suffer.

Recognize that some seasons of intense activity are unavoidable. Following Christ and loving others will sometimes lead to busy, even exhausting periods. This is part of bearing our cross and sharing in Christ's sufferings.

Embrace godly busyness with the right perspective.

  • See your work and service as an offering to God
  • Remember that your ultimate value comes from Christ, not your accomplishments
  • Lean into God's strength when you feel overwhelmed
  • Practice contentment in both restful and busy seasons

While we should guard against unnecessary busyness, we shouldn't shy away from the demanding work of loving God and neighbor. The key is to ensure our busyness flows from godly priorities and dependence on Christ, rather than from pride or a misplaced sense of obligation.

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FAQ

What's "Crazy Busy" about?

  • Overview: "Crazy Busy" by Kevin DeYoung addresses the pervasive issue of busyness in modern life, exploring how it affects our spiritual and personal well-being.
  • Purpose: The book aims to help readers understand the root causes of their busyness and offers practical advice for managing it.
  • Structure: It is structured around three dangers to avoid, seven diagnoses to consider, and one essential thing to do.
  • Tone: DeYoung uses a mix of humor and biblical insights to engage readers and encourage them to reflect on their own lives.

Why should I read "Crazy Busy"?

  • Relevance: If you feel overwhelmed by your schedule and responsibilities, this book offers insights into why that might be and how to address it.
  • Practical Advice: It provides actionable steps to help you prioritize and manage your time more effectively.
  • Spiritual Growth: The book encourages readers to find rest in Christ and align their lives with biblical principles.
  • Engaging Style: DeYoung's writing is clear, relatable, and often humorous, making complex issues accessible.

What are the key takeaways of "Crazy Busy"?

  • Pride and Busyness: One of the main causes of busyness is pride, manifesting as people-pleasing, perfectionism, and a desire for control.
  • Setting Priorities: It's crucial to set priorities and establish what you will not do to serve others effectively.
  • Rest and Rhythm: Regular rest and a balanced rhythm of work and leisure are essential for long-term productivity and well-being.
  • Spiritual Focus: The most important thing is to spend time with Jesus, which helps manage busyness and brings peace.

How does Kevin DeYoung define "busyness" in "Crazy Busy"?

  • Heart Issue: DeYoung sees busyness as a heart issue, not just a scheduling problem, often rooted in pride and misplaced priorities.
  • Cultural Phenomenon: He describes it as a cultural norm where people equate activity with productivity and worth.
  • Spiritual Danger: Busyness can distract from spiritual growth and lead to a lack of joy and fulfillment.
  • Self-Created Chaos: Much of our busyness is self-imposed, stemming from a failure to set boundaries and prioritize effectively.

What are the "Three Dangers to Avoid" in "Crazy Busy"?

  • Joy Ruin: Busyness can ruin our joy by making us anxious, irritable, and impatient.
  • Heart Robbery: It can rob our hearts by distracting us from what truly matters, like our relationship with God.
  • Soul Rot: Busyness can cover up deeper spiritual issues, leading to a superficial life devoid of depth and meaning.

What are the "Seven Diagnoses" in "Crazy Busy"?

  • Pride: Many manifestations of pride contribute to busyness, such as people-pleasing and perfectionism.
  • Total Obligation: Trying to do what God does not expect you to do leads to unnecessary stress.
  • Mission Creep: Without setting priorities, you can't serve others effectively.
  • Kindergarchy: Over-parenting and child-centered living can lead to unnecessary busyness.
  • Screen Strangle: Technology and constant connectivity can strangle your soul and contribute to busyness.
  • Rhythm and Blues: Lack of rest and rhythm in life can lead to burnout.
  • Burden Embrace: Accepting that some busyness is part of life and service can help manage expectations.

How does "Crazy Busy" suggest managing technology's impact on busyness?

  • Healthy Suspicion: Cultivate a healthy suspicion toward technology and its impact on your life.
  • Boundaries: Set clear boundaries for when and how you use digital devices.
  • Old Technology: Deliberately use "old" technology to reconnect with simpler, less distracting ways of living.
  • Theological Reflection: Bring Christian theology to bear on digital dangers, recognizing our limitations and the need for real relationships.

What is the "One Thing You Must Do" according to "Crazy Busy"?

  • Devote to the Word: Spend time daily in the Word of God and prayer.
  • Public and Private Worship: Engage in both public and private worship to maintain spiritual health.
  • Priority of Jesus: Make sitting at the feet of Jesus the priority in your life.
  • Keystone Habit: Treat this practice as a keystone habit that influences other areas of life positively.

What role does rest play in "Crazy Busy"?

  • Gift and Test: Rest is both a gift from God and a test of our trust in Him.
  • Rhythm Importance: Establishing a rhythm of work and rest is crucial for long-term productivity and well-being.
  • Sleep Necessity: Adequate sleep is essential for physical and spiritual health, countering the culture of sleep deprivation.
  • Hard Work of Rest: Rest requires intentional planning and discipline, not just a cessation of activity.

How does "Crazy Busy" address the concept of "Kindergarchy"?

  • Child-Centered Living: The book critiques the modern tendency to center family life entirely around children.
  • Parental Anxiety: It highlights how this leads to increased parental anxiety and unnecessary busyness.
  • Determinism Myth: Challenges the belief that every parenting decision will determine a child's future success or failure.
  • Simplification: Encourages simplifying parenting by focusing on a few key principles rather than trying to do everything perfectly.

What are some of the best quotes from "Crazy Busy" and what do they mean?

  • "Busyness is like sin: kill it, or it will be killing you." This quote emphasizes the destructive nature of unchecked busyness.
  • "The only thing worse than failing to realize any of your dreams, is seeing them all come true." It warns against the emptiness of achieving worldly success without spiritual fulfillment.
  • "We will keep choosing dinner rolls over the bread of life." This metaphor highlights the tendency to prioritize trivial matters over spiritual nourishment.
  • "The antidote to busyness of soul is not sloth and indifference." It clarifies that the solution to busyness is not laziness but a reorientation of priorities.

How does "Crazy Busy" suggest dealing with the pressures of modern life?

  • Embrace Limitations: Accept your limitations and trust in God's providence rather than trying to do everything.
  • Set Priorities: Clearly define your priorities and establish what you will not do to focus on what truly matters.
  • Expect Suffering: Recognize that some busyness and suffering are part of life and service to others.
  • Spiritual Focus: Keep your focus on spiritual growth and your relationship with God as the foundation for managing life's pressures.

Review Summary

4.10 out of 5
Average of 8k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Crazy Busy receives high praise for its concise yet impactful message on managing busyness from a Christian perspective. Readers appreciate DeYoung's relatable tone, biblical insights, and practical advice. The book's short length is seen as a strength, making it accessible for busy readers. Many found it helpful in addressing issues of pride, prioritization, and technology's role in busyness. While some reviewers note it's not groundbreaking, most agree it's a valuable resource for Christians struggling with time management and spiritual balance.

Your rating:

About the Author

Kevin DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan, located near Michigan State University. Kevin DeYoung is known for his work as a pastor, author, and speaker within the Reformed Christian tradition. He has written several books on Christian living and theology, gaining recognition for his ability to address contemporary issues from a biblical perspective. DeYoung's writing style is often described as engaging, honest, and accessible to a wide audience. His role as a pastor informs his approach to writing, combining theological depth with practical application for everyday Christians. DeYoung is particularly noted for his insights on topics such as busyness, holiness, and church life.

Other books by Kevin DeYoung

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