How to Balance Work and Rest
Summary of a Sermon by Tim Keller
We live in a workaholic culture. Those in higher places work hard to justify high compensation, while of lesser means hold multiple jobs to make ends meet. Due to societal changes, a more globalized economy, and technological advancement, numerous jobs are constantly being eliminated. This creates intense stress, particularly for those whose identity is tied to their work (e.g. “I am a programmer, painter, etc.”).
We need rest. Even God, who does not grow tired, rested after finishing His creation (Genesis 2:2).
But restlessness is pervasive, perhaps because of sin. “The wicked cannot rest” (Isaiah 57:20). For example, Christ showed intense unrest when he took over our sins on the cross, and he cried out to God, “Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
Trying to justify our value by our performance can cause restlessness. Such pursuit has no end. We can become slaves to our insecurities and others’ expectations. Like the Israelite in Egypt, we will find no rest.
On the cross, Christ took on our sin so we could be loved as God’s children (2 Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 3:17). We don’t need to justify our value. Those who are weary and burdened can go to Christ. Through Him, we are free. He will lift our burdens and refresh us. He will give us rest (Matthew 11:28).
Rest should start with worship, reminding us who God is and who we are. By acknowledging God as Lord, we can relax and rest.
In rest, we can enjoy God’s creation. We can spend time on something we ordinarily don’t do. In rest, we can let ourselves wander, without planning every moment of our time. If we have to work continuously for a long time, like doctors during internship, we should schedule rest after that.
Note that in rest, we can miss opportunities. Treat it as leaving something on the table for others to have.
We can form support group and rest with others like us.
Through Christ’s death on the cross, we become God’s children. In God’s eyes, we are good. Learn to work and rest. Learn to enjoy the rest that God enjoyed after His creation.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon:
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/work-and-rest-5314/
We need rest. Even God, who does not grow tired, rested after finishing His creation (Genesis 2:2).
But restlessness is pervasive, perhaps because of sin. “The wicked cannot rest” (Isaiah 57:20). For example, Christ showed intense unrest when he took over our sins on the cross, and he cried out to God, “Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
Trying to justify our value by our performance can cause restlessness. Such pursuit has no end. We can become slaves to our insecurities and others’ expectations. Like the Israelite in Egypt, we will find no rest.
On the cross, Christ took on our sin so we could be loved as God’s children (2 Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 3:17). We don’t need to justify our value. Those who are weary and burdened can go to Christ. Through Him, we are free. He will lift our burdens and refresh us. He will give us rest (Matthew 11:28).
Rest should start with worship, reminding us who God is and who we are. By acknowledging God as Lord, we can relax and rest.
In rest, we can enjoy God’s creation. We can spend time on something we ordinarily don’t do. In rest, we can let ourselves wander, without planning every moment of our time. If we have to work continuously for a long time, like doctors during internship, we should schedule rest after that.
Note that in rest, we can miss opportunities. Treat it as leaving something on the table for others to have.
We can form support group and rest with others like us.
Through Christ’s death on the cross, we become God’s children. In God’s eyes, we are good. Learn to work and rest. Learn to enjoy the rest that God enjoyed after His creation.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon:
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/work-and-rest-5314/