Working Hard and Resting Harder
In today’s fast-paced world, we often hear the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but a more biblical approach is to work hard and rest harder. While striving for success and achieving goals is important, it’s equally crucial to give ourselves permission to rest and recharge. Both are necessary to sustain our well-being and maintain a long-term desire to edify the Kingdom of Christ, which is what we are meant to do.
Paul writes in Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.
We were designed to work hard. However, we weren’t created to work such that one day runs into the other. This is a recipe for burn-out. Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. As an analogy, let’s think about the engine of a Lamborghini. High-end sports cars are built to run hard- hitting 8,000-9,000 RPMs without hesitation. However, they are not meant to run this hard from the time you jump in until the time you reach your destination 2 hours later. At some point, you have to take your foot off the pedal and give the engine and its components some time to rest. If you “redline” the Lambo for too long, something is sure to break and leave you stranded. Our bodies and minds were built the same way - to work hard, but then to rest and recharge.
Hard work isn't just about putting in hours or pushing through exhaustion. It's about working smart, staying disciplined, and having the right mindset to overcome challenges. That’s why it is important to understand the 3 types of rest we need:
Spiritual Rest
This is the foundation of our Christian walk, and it’s crucial to emphasize that our relationship with the Lord is at the core of everything and is THE most important relationship in our lives. Without spiritual rest, we can easily become disconnected from God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Spending time with Jesus and listening for His voice helps to clear our minds and direct our hearts.
2. Physical Rest
Sleep and recovery are essential for sustaining our physical energy and well-being. It’s so easy to overlook physical rest, thinking we can push through fatigue, but our bodies are not designed for continuous work without proper downtime (remember, the Lamborghini??). The idea of intentional rest—whether through taking a day off or simply making sure to get enough sleep—is often undervalued in today's hustle culture.
3. Emotional Rest
It is a challenge for most of us to truly find peace and not feel stressed or anxious at some point in any given day. Philippians 4:6-7 states, “don’t worry about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Emotional burnout can often be the hardest to spot until we’re already deep in it. Learning to cast our anxieties on Jesus and allowing ourselves to let go of stress is vital for our mental and emotional health. Writing down your to-do list and seeking support from loved ones is a great practical approach for managing emotional overload.
Working and resting is meant to be a one-to-one ratio. Somehow, it has become a badge of honor to explain to everyone how our lives are so busy and how hard we are working. The key lies in creating routines that allow for both. Intentionally carving out time for work and for rest ensures that you are operating at your highest potential. By establishing boundaries and respecting both work and rest as equally valuable, you create a life of fulfillment and success- while glorifying God. How are you doing when you consider your work and rest balance?
Written by Tom Galati, Board Member
