By: Corey BonassoWe have begun a sermon series on Genesis at New Heights Church and the part of my brain that craves order and logic loves the idea of starting at the beginning. God spent six days making the cosmos, the Earth, the creatures, and ultimately mankind. The order that God used in the beginning of creation is fascinating. He spoke many things into being and his creation became more detailed and intimate as he progressed. His final act of creation was the most caring and thoughtful of all—when he made Adam from the ground with his own hands.
However, as I reflect on Pastor Jeremy’s sermon this past Sunday and on the story of creation, my mind tends to wander a little ahead of the beginning to what he did after he created everything—the seventh day. Genesis 2:2 says, “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” God obviously was not tired or strained from creating the world, but he chose to have a day of rest and make it holy as an example to us. Many generations later, God even made it a law for the Israelites to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy.
It seems counter-intuitive, but many of us need to be reminded to rest. Today’s culture in America is highly driven by success. Productivity and efficiency are ever important tenets by which so many people live. It also becomes a point of pride. “I will not be outworked,” is a common motto of many people in positions of authority or status, particularly in the corporate world. I work in a corporate setting, and I have had colleagues (on several occasions) tell me that they work seven days per week or over twelve hours per day on average. While this pattern is not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, it can be utterly detrimental if it extends for too long. I certainly fall into this category at times—I don’t mind working hard or working long hours or working every day, but there’s a limit.
As Christians, our priorities should look different than those who are of the world. So many find their identities in their careers, but our identity is in Christ. A wise pastor named Chris Priestley preached a sermon many years ago that has always stayed with me. In it, he said the priorities of a Christian man are 1) Christian, 2) husband, 3) father, 4) worker. Obviously, these priorities are adaptable to anyone with different life circumstances (i.e., someone who is single or does not have children), but the concept remains—God first, then others to whom you have made vows/commitments, then your boss.
When these priorities get out of balance and work (or some other area of life) becomes too much of a focus, we can easily lose sight of how important it is to rest. For me, I am horrible at pacing myself. Whether it be my job or simply chores around the house, if I get into “the zone,” it is very difficult for me to slow myself down or take a break. I find that if I am being productive, I want to cash in on that energy and get as much done as possible. This is partly because productivity can be addictive, and also partly because I know if I stop to rest, the likelihood of getting back into the zone is slim. My wife has been a grace to me in this area because she helps get me out of my tunnel vision and take a break. And as I’ve mentioned before, I do not believe that what I’ve just described is unique to me.
So, we know that it is important to rest, but what does it actually look like to rest? That depends on the person. If you’re an active person who enjoys movement and exercise, a rest to you might be a long hike in the woods or an hour in the weight room or a game of pickup basketball. An ideal form of rest for others might include a couch, a tv, video games, junk food, a good book, and a clear schedule. Whatever it is that you find restful, I encourage you to make time for it.
However, I do want to encourage you most of all to make time for the most important kind of rest—rest in Christ. God rested on the seventh day and made it holy, and he did this after looking at all that he had done. This is what we should also do when we rest—look at all that God has done, and rest in his holiness. I’m not only referring to looking at what God did in creation, but also what he has done in the millennia since creation. God’s plan has been unfolding since the dawn of creation, and it is still unfolding today. He has revealed this plan through the pages of Scripture, and he is working it out now. Not only that, but as a believer in Christ, you are a good work that God is bringing to completion. Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” When we see all that God has done, is continuing to do, and will continue to do, we have the peace and assurance that our hope is not dependent on us. God has taken care of it.
When I think about the end goal of productivity and efficiency in the workplace (or elsewhere) and I distill it down to a single word, the one word I come up with is security. We work hard so we can earn a living and have status and take care of ourselves and our families and be respected and generally have a better life. We do all of this because we want to guard against uncertainty. Well, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that if God wanted to, he could turn every aspect of your life on its head and take away all of the progress you’ve made and leave you utterly destitute. He could do all of this just to make a point if he so desired. Just ask Job. Placing your hope in the fruits of your hard work will never bring true peace. This is not to say that hard work has no value, because it certainly does, but it cannot become our main objective. Hard work should be a means to an end, that end being God’s glory. Colossians 3:23–24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” When you work hard for God’s glory, the ability to rest in God’s provision becomes much easier. When your hope is placed in Christ and serving him is your first priority, all other aspects of your life will fall into place almost seamlessly, including rest.
So, friends, as you go about your busy day, don’t forget to rest. Rest in God’s provision. Rest in Christ’s accomplished work on the cross. Rest in the hope and assurance of God’s unwavering love for you.