From the Pulpit: Rest and relax

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Take a load off, sit down, and relax. I mean it! Sometimes you just need to take a break. In fact, on a regular basis you need to take time to recharge and get a little rest and relaxation.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to get out of work. I’m not advocating for someone “slouching on the job” or only doing the bare minimum. I admire the hard work ethic of those in agriculture who give a lot – and it pays off. As the Bible says, “The laborer deserves his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:18)

But that doesn’t mean you should literally “work yourself to death.” You shouldn’t feel guilty for taking time away. You shouldn’t feel judged for not putting in the amount of hours as the guy next to you. Oh, it’s not easy! America is built off hard work and long hours. But when success and notoriety come at the expense of family, health, and future, is it all worth it? What’s more important: Family, or putting in a couple extra hours each night? What’s more important: Getting the rest one needs to be charged and ready to go the next day, or putting in the extra hours each day to look busier and more productive? If you’re struggling with that one, research shows that consistently working over 40 hours per week actually decreases productivity and effectiveness over time.

From a biblical perspective, what is our god: My work, or the God who’s given me the hours to work?

Don’t be afraid to relax. Don’t be ashamed of recharging your batteries. Do yourself (and, if applicable, your family) a favor by getting some rest and relaxation so you can work efficiently and effectively when demanded of you. 

“Come to me... and I will give you rest.” The rest Jesus won for us came at the expense of His work on the cross, dying to forgive sin so you don’t have to work to pay the wage due for sin. Take a load off and rest in His forgiveness. You don’t have to work for it. You can’t!

Also, rest physically, knowing it is God’s gift to you so you can do the work you need to each subsequent day.