Much of our focus here at IFWE revolves around the meaning and purpose of work. While we believe that our vocations are a gift from God, we also understand that rest is an essential ingredient to a well-balanced life and something our Creator wants us to enjoy according to his will.
Over the years, many IFWE contributors have discussed the importance of rest, vacation, time away from work, and recreational pursuits. All of this can bring joy and refreshment to our weary souls and recharge us in ways that lead to greater productivity and more effective ministry.
Today, we are highlighting five articles that explore these subjects in greater detail. We hope the authors’ insights encourage you to take a deeper look at rest and discover new ways you might practice it in your daily life this summer.
Vacation, Vocation & Productivity
Dr. Andrew Spencer, “What About Work & Vacation?”
We short-change our productivity when we don’t establish regular patterns of rest in our busy lives and use our vacation wisely.
Have you ever noticed how much more productive you are after a vacation?
I’ve been amazed at how much more creative I can be when I am approaching things after a week away. Sometimes I am able to solve longstanding problems because the break has given me enough distance to approach the problem in a new way.
Sometimes, taking breaks allows me to endure the difficult, repetitive jobs that get tedious. Taking time off from work helps keep me from growing weary “in the uttermost parts of the sea.” Even a weekend spent on other projects helps me refocus and come into work on Monday with new energy and vision.
Godly Obedience & Imitation in Our Rest
Dr. Anne Bradley, “Should Christians Take Big Vacations? Making Decisions at the Margin“
What we can learn from this is that when we have excess, or less than we have had before, we are to be wise in how we allocate our scarce resources. There is a time and place in our priorities for both celebration and giving to those in need. Thus, playing more golf as we earn more, or taking a family vacation, are not in themselves sinful, but need to be evaluated within the larger context of being obedient to God’s calling in our lives.
Dr. David Leonard, “If Work Matters to God, What About Vacation?“
…the fundamental purpose of all resting is to remind us that God rules the universe.
Upon this foundation, we exercise trust in his promises by temporarily ceasing from our everyday labors, recognizing that he is our ultimate provider. This requires a supreme act of faith and is a disposition that runs contrary to the “spirit of the age.”
Furthermore…our vacations should be active rather than passive, thereby imitating God’s own “resting” on the seventh day…
I’m claiming that however we spend our free time, whether it’s in the context of a holiday weekend or a full-fledged vacation, it should involve a range of activities that not only remind us of God’s providence in our lives, but also equip us to manifest the Imago Dei in our various spheres of influence, that is, our callings…
…if we’re ready to take our vocation seriously, then we ought to take our vacation just as seriously.
Healthy Boundaries That Lead to Rest
Jessica Schroeder, “Boundaries & Rest for Teleworkers“
How are we to respond to this increasingly “always on” mindset in the workforce? Certainly, as people of faith, we have considered the importance of Sabbath rest—a day-long break once a week—but what about daily rhythms of rest, boundaries from the barrage of activity, “shoulds,” and “oughts?”
Responding well will take some guts, and a lot of intentionality. But it is well worth it. While continuing to do our work with excellence, it is also healthy to be realistic about the requirements and expectations. This may mean having a difficult conversation with a superior. This may mean setting an automatic reply to your email or status message on work apps each evening.
With a diversity of jobs, we all have different things expected of us, but each of us is worthy of healthy, supportive boundaries that give us rest from and honor our work. Rather than being about escaping work or shirking responsibility, it is taking care.
Boundaries are good for us, and they are also good for our work. Moreover, contrary to the messages the broader culture tends to send, our lives are more than our work. We are more than our roles or job titles. We are children of God—made to flourish.
The Connection Between Joy & Rest
Dr. Andrew Spencer, “Does Our Theology of Work Include Rest and Recreation?“
Among the many reasons God gave the Sabbath to humans is his desire to see his creatures enjoy themselves. As Jesus notes in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
A pattern of rest was instituted in the regular work week for the benefit of humans…God really does intend for creation to exist in joy. Recreation is a part of his plan for humans and all of creation.
This is made clear in Psalm 104. In a poem written to highlight God’s greatness and wisdom, the psalmist describes the sea. He writes, “There go the ships, and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it (Ps. 104:26 ESV).”
