Bible Society of South Africa

In today’s competitive work environment there is the temptation to work too hard and to become part of the never-ending rat race. Eventually you deny yourself rest and begin to feel guilty when you are not working. The rhythm of work with regular intervals for resting was established when God created the earth. By allowing yourself to rest, you acknowledge that you are not a slave to work. Those who ignore this principle will not be able to keep up a high level of productitivity. God set the example for us to follow.

So the heavens and the earth and everything else were created. By the seventh day God had finished his work, and so he rested. God blessed the seventh day and made it special because on that day he rested from his work. Genesis 2:1-3

Work the first six days of the week, but rest and relax on the seventh day. This law is not only for you, but for your oxen, donkeys, and slaves, as well as for any foreigners among you. Exodus 23:12

Do your work in six days and rest on the seventh day, even during the seasons for ploughing and harvesting. Exodus 34:21

Remember that the Sabbath Day belongs to me. You have six days when you can do your work, but the seventh day of each week belongs to me, your God. No one is to work on that day – not you, your children, your slaves, your animals, or the foreigners who live in your towns. In six days I made the sky, the earth, the seas, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That’s why I made the Sabbath a special day that belongs to me. Exodus 20:8-11

There’s more to life than just work. Make sure you put aside enough time for God, for yourself and for your family. Recharge your batteries regularly. The Bible teaches us that we should rest. It will make you a more productive person at work.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching us that it is important to rest well. Help me not to be so caught up in my work that I neglect you and my family. Amen