Finding Balance
If you ask me how I am doing, my usual response is that I am busy. It's my default answer, even when it's not true. Sometimes it's an easy excuse, other times it's a lie. Our culture celebrates busyness as an achievement, implying that if you’re not busy, you’re simply drifting through life and wasting space. Your worth seems to be measured by your activities and accomplishments.
A few years ago, the term "Hustle Culture" gained popularity, promoting the idea that you should always be working, never taking a day off, and achieving success at any cost. It suggested that getting ahead was all that mattered, regardless of the impact on your family, friends, coworkers, or health.
Whether or not you fully embraced this mindset, it likely influenced you subconsciously, pushing you to work even at the expense of your well-being. How often have you heard of someone fearing punishment or even losing their job for expressing concerns about working on weekends? Hustle Culture, in my opinion, has misguided our society's values. Even if I'm not busy, I claim to be because it makes me feel worthy and important. I'm guilty of this mindset, yet I recognize its dangers. If you are not careful, you can ‘hustle’ yourself into collapse.
Eventually, the relentless drive will burn out, and our "hustle" won't equate to progress. True progress doesn’t come from merely doing more; it’s not just about the effort we put in. Sustainable success requires self-restraint and self-control as much as it does effort. We often fill our minds and time with activities that hinder our progress or even set us back. To foster discernment and self-control, we need intentional rest. Without it, exhaustion and frustration can lead us to make harmful choices in a desperate attempt to escape.
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul tells us, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." This verse serves as a reminder to exercise my freedom responsibly, seeking what is beneficial and avoiding anything that hinders my walk with God. It calls for a balanced life, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, self-control, and discernment in all aspects of living. We seek God and choose actions that lead us closer to Him. Yes, sometimes that means putting your head down and working hard, but it also means knowing when to rest. "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves." - Psalms 127:2. This verse emphasizes that working excessively without rest is futile because God provides rest and sustenance to those He loves. It highlights the importance of trusting in God's provision and embracing the rest He grants.
Rest is not shameful; it is necessary. God modeled and patterned what work and rest should look like in Genesis 2:7, and we should follow that example. Rest benefits not only our physical bodies but also our spiritual well-being.
Jesus acknowledges the struggles and burdens that people carry, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. He calls out to those exhausted from their labors and the weight of their responsibilities, offering them a place of relief and peace. In Matthew 11:28-29, He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
By inviting us to take His yoke upon ourselves, Jesus is not adding to our burdens; instead, He is offering to share the load with us. His yoke is light and easy because He carries it with us, providing the strength and support we need. He also encourages us to learn from Him. Jesus describes Himself as gentle and humble in heart, contrasting sharply with the harsh and prideful ways of the world. By following His example and teachings, we find a way of life that brings rest to our souls. This rest is not just a physical relief but a deep, spiritual peace that comes from being in a right relationship with God.
Yes, I am guilty of thinking that being busy somehow makes me important, and I am guilty of occupying myself with things that don’t matter. However, my prayer is that, as I reflect on these truths, I realize that embracing rest is not a sign of weakness but a testament to understanding and valuing God's design for our lives. By rejecting the constant pressure of hustle culture, we can align ourselves with a healthier, more sustainable way of living. It is in this balance of work and rest that we find true fulfillment, achieving meaningful progress without compromising our well-being. By following Jesus’ example and accepting His invitation to find rest in Him, we can experience the profound peace and restoration that comes from trusting in His provision and care. Let us strive to live intentionally, balancing our efforts with necessary rest, and ultimately drawing closer to God in every aspect of our lives.