How the Idol of Work Steals Your Rest

Nine times out of ten, when I ask someone how they’re doing, I get the same word back. “Busy.” Sometimes it comes with a sigh, like they’re worn out. Other times it comes out almost like a badge of honour, with a hint of pride for being so important. Either way, work and busyness have become a measurement of our lives, and this is where the idol of work starts to take root.

If you’d rather listen than read, this message is also up on the Lead Biblically Podcast and on YouTube.

The Idol of Work Hides in Plain Sight

It’s doubtful anybody would ever announce that they worship their job. In our culture, the idol of work hides behind diligence and responsibility, even in Christian circles. It shows up in the way we chase identity, security, and belonging throughout our careers. Here are a few markers:

• Feeling empty the moment you’re not being productive
• Refusing a day off because stopping feels too risky
• Feeling closer to your coworkers than to your own family

In Psalm 127:1, Solomon uses the word vain three times to describe work built apart from God. Whatever you’re building right now, it’ll only stand if God is building it with you.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1, ESV).

Why Sabbath Breaks the Idol of Work

God gave us Sabbath as a gift for human flourishing, meant to be practiced every week. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had twisted it into a tool for controlling people. So Jesus reminded them where it came from.

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, ESV).

A weekly rhythm of stopping, resting, and handing our work back to God reminds our hearts that the world keeps turning even without us. Pastor Mark Buchanan puts it well in The Rest of God;

“Sabbath imparts the rest of God, the things of his nature and presence we miss in our busyness.”

Finding Rest for Your Soul First

If a full day of rest feels terrifying to you, you’re not alone. Before you can rest your schedule, start by resting your soul.

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

Clinging to Jesus is the first step toward letting go of any idol, including work. Trade your devotion to your job for devotion to him, and watch your work turn into worship.

Join the Conversation; Answer This Question

• Where have you been chasing identity, security, or belonging through your work instead of through God?