Called to restfulness, not laziness
Christmas break has officially started. I have a list of things I would love to get done, but high on that list is getting some much needed rest. As I talk with my friends and classmates, I know I am not alone in that. However, people confuse laziness with restfulness, and I think it will end up hurting them. Rest and laziness are two completely separate things, and I believe that we all intuitively understand that. Laziness increases stress and tiredness, but restfulness results in refreshment. To understand why let’s look at what the Bible tells us about each.
When it comes to laziness, we can look at the book of Proverbs. We are told that laziness results in poverty, disgrace, and deep sleep (10:4, 10:5, 12:24, 19:15). However, there is also a more significant consequence. When we are lazy, we are often hurting the testimony of our work. Colossians 3:17 says
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
I think these scriptures accurately reflect how we understand and perceive laziness. After a period of dereliction, I am left more tired, more stressed, and overall worse than when I went into it.
Restfulness may seem like the same story, but it couldn’t be more different. The Bible, in multiple places, teaches us that God is our provider of rest. Here are my two favorites:
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2–3)
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will give rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. (Matthew 11:28–30)
Not only is He our provider of rest, but we see Biblical examples of both God and Jesus resting. In the very beginning, we see God rest on the 7th day of creation, making that day holy (Genesis 2:2). Even in the height of His ministry, and before feeding the five thousand, Jesus instructs His disciples to go with him to a quiet place to rest (Mark 6:31). Rest is essential for our bodies. Physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Alright, I hear you. You get the difference, but how does this look practically? Can laying in bed watching movies all day be restful? I don’t believe so. For me, restfulness is a purposeful period of separation from something specific. That can be work, school, social media, you name it. When we rest, we need to instead fill that time with something that refreshes us. Restfulness doesn’t have to conflict with productiveness either. Instead, it is just a different type of productiveness, or in a different area.
This Christmas break, I encourage you to find rest. Enjoy the holiday, and make the most you can out of the break. I leave you with this final verse:
Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5: 15–17)
