What would happen to a truck driver and his rig if he never stopped to sleep or refuel? The answer to that question reveals we understand the necessity of stopping to recharge. If the driver works himself to the point he cannot stay awake, he will no longer do his job effectively. If the truck runs until it is empty, it will then go nowhere. While a job does not get completed by remaining stagnant, always doing something (busyness), without rest, can lead to everything falling apart.
We know God did not create His people to be lazy. Man was made in God’s image, and commissioned to work in the Garden of Eden
(Genesis 1:26-30). This work included the rule and care for God’s creation. In the New Testament, Paul reminded Titus that the church was created to be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). Titus was also encouraged to devote himself to doing what is good (3:8). God designed good works to be done through the church. It is against God’s created order for His people to be lazy and stagnant.
However, if we never allow time for rest and rejuvenation, the body and mind will fall apart. Even Jesus acknowledged there was a time to work, which implied a time to rest (John 9). There were times Paul worked long hours because of special circumstances (2 Thes. 3:8), but his body had to rest. Humanity always seems to suffer from two extremes: laziness and busyness. Laziness does very little, if anything, to contribute to the overall good. It would rather expend all its energy in taking, like a leech. Busyness keeps doing so much activity that it can neglect the things and people for which we are living and working. Both extremes are unhealthy and damaging.
It is easy to work around the clock since many jobs do not require the sun to dictate our hours. Devices designed to make lives simpler have merely contributed to people doing more. What we have to remember is that we were not created to serve our technology, our jobs or the almighty dollar. We were made in God’s image and live life by that identity. Our resources should be used to contribute to that mission, not the other way around. God did not free us from sin to see us enslaved to busyness.
God’s people work and rest for a purpose. We work to contribute towards God’s mission on Earth. In everything you do, do it because you are serving God (Col. 3:23). At the same time, we must value the purpose and times of rest. If you feel guilty for resting and your mind stays preoccupied with work, then you will not enjoy the recharge you need. God understands the balance of work and rest. We must be wise and humble enough to respect that balance, even if it goes against our nature. Remember to allow God’s order to direct your work and rest rather than the extremes or laziness and busyness.
