Remember the Sabbath
Workaholism Series
“He teaches us of the importance of labor, but also of enjoying the fruit thereof…”
“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart”
Explanation:
Ecclesiastes is a fascinating piece of literature. It is Solomon’s honest reflections on life, it’s meaning, and our purpose in it. Having in the previous verses reflected upon the futility of all things, he turns to his method of coping with what appears hopeless. He tells of his gratitude for the things that God has given us, and to express this gratitude by partaking in them to the glory of God. He teaches us of the importance of labor, but also of enjoying the fruit thereof, joyfully giving thanks to God for bringing forth in abundance what we have toiled for. So long as trust in God is our first concern, we are encouraged to fully enjoy the gifts God has given us.¹
Connection:
With all of our modern luxuries, it may seem odd to consider that we might be working too much. However, all the data we currently have seems to point in this direction. According to these findings, Americans are shockingly the most overworked people in the world. One article points out that the average American works 260 more hours per year than the British and 499 more hours per year than the French.² This is not to say that other countries don't feel the effects of burnout. The Japanese have a well-known epidemic of burnout on their hands. In fact, they even have a word for the phenomenon of young professionals working themselves literally to death: Karōshi. Here, 80 hour workweeks for some Japanese professionals is not at all uncommon, and has led to an uptick in suicide.³
The toiling we see in modern times is perhaps a bit more intense, but the tendency to work without limits has always been a hallmark of human beings. In fact, one of the consequences of sin was that the ground was now cursed. In other words, toil and stress were now going to be a definitive part of the human experience. Instead of relying on God to feed us, we must now anxiously go about the business of providing for ourselves. This drives people to become obsessive about their own pursuits, prioritizing work, appeasement, and wealth over their creator. Yet, in God's provision and care for his creation, he provided a solution. He offered up the Law, which teaches us to honor the Sabbath day, and keep it holy. In other words, because God himself rested on the seventh day of creation, he implores us to do the same. Yes, by the sweat of our brow we will eat bread. But as Solomon points out, he has still given us the world to enjoy. It is still his good creation, and we are invited to rest in it, to give thanks for the gifts he has given us. And even as the head of his son is crowned with the very thorns that we gave to creation, he lays down his life for us so that we might find a rest that transcends all things.
Action:
1. Maintain Balance -
God wants us to strike a balance between work and life. He instituted the Sabbath as a means for people to rest from their labors and to enjoy God's gifts. Ensure that you give yourself time to enjoy the fruit of all you have worked for.
2. Evaluate -
Often we can narrow down the things that are causing us stress and make us feel like we cannot ever relax. Once we identify certain stressors in our work-life, we can take steps to set boundaries for ourselves.
3. Take It Slow -
It is important that we take care of ourselves, as the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Bodily care is important for us to live healthy and productive lives.
¹Craig G. Bartholomew, Ecclesiastes (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 301.
²G.E. Miller, “The u.s. Is the Most Overworked Developed Nation in the World,” 20 Something Finance, January 2, 2018, https://20somethingfinance.com/american-hours-worked-productivity-vacation/.
³Jeremy Berke, “Japan Is Facing a 'death by overwork' Problem — Here's How Companies Are Combatting It,” Business Insider, March 25, 2018, https://www.businessinsider.com/japan-is-facing-a-death-by-overwork-problem-2018-3.