work & rest
Core Practice #3: WORK HARD & SABBATH
“On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.” Genesis 2:2
Core Practice #3: WORK HARD & SABBATH
We will work hard and strive for excellence in our vocation, and devote a day every week to rest and worship. (Genesis 2:2)
After working for six days, God created an earth that was largely undeveloped. He created a canvas, and then invited us to join Him in filling it. In partnership with God, we are called to interact with His created world, to make possibilities into realities, and to sustain ourselves with the fruits of our labor. Our work is an act of worship to God! However, our identity is not found in our profession, but in Jesus (and who He says we are in Him).
Irrespective of where God has currently placed us vocationally (a classroom as a student, home caring for family, a job we hope is temporary, etc.), we commit to working hard and striving for excellence in order to bring God glory through our work. However, instead of endless productivity and the glorification of careerism, we will devote a 24-hour period every week to rest and worship (i.e. “Sabbath” which means “to stop” and also “to delight” in God).
Fights Against: ENTITLEMENT & CONTROL
The lie of entitlement can sneak into our hearts (often unconsciously), especially in seasons of dissatisfaction with our jobs, feelings of resentment towards superiors, financial strain, comparisons to others, etc. However, we will guard our hearts from the bitter roots of entitlement by working hard, striving for excellence and then trusting God as our ultimate provider.
Furthermore, we have been indoctrinated with the lies that we are in control, and that we can do it all (i.e. we are like God). For example, our technological advancements (Google, AI, social media, etc.) gives us the illusion that we can be omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (all-present) and omnipotent (all-powerful). Our weekly celebration of a Sabbath is not only a gift from God to be enjoyed, it is a declaration that we can’t do it all, but that we trust the One who can!
Furthermore, we have been indoctrinated with the lies that we are in control, and that we can do it all (i.e. we are like God). For example, our technological advancements (Google, AI, social media, etc.) gives us the illusion that we can be omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (all-present) and omnipotent (all-powerful). Our weekly celebration of a Sabbath is not only a gift from God to be enjoyed, it is a declaration that we can’t do it all, but that we trust the One who can!
Supportive Prayer Style: ADORATION
Whether we are in the middle of a challenging workweek, or celebrating the Sabbath, prayers of praise and adoration for who God is, and His steadfast provision in our lives, helps to keep entitlement and the illusion of control at bay.
Reach Practices:
No screens on Sabbath
Gratitude
Extended time immersed in God’s creation
Annual or Biannual Multi-Day Sabbatical Retreat (an extended period of rest, recreation, and reflection).
Gratitude
Extended time immersed in God’s creation
Annual or Biannual Multi-Day Sabbatical Retreat (an extended period of rest, recreation, and reflection).