Work-Life Balance or Work-Life Avoidance?
- Josh Jacquard
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
“Work-life balance” has become the battle cry of a generation that’s tired, burned out, and looking for an escape. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing wrong with wanting to rest, recharge, and not have your life eaten alive by a never-ending job. But somewhere along the way, the pendulum swung too far. Now, instead of balancing work and rest, we’re using “balance” as an excuse to slack off, check out, and live like life owes us a paycheck and a hammock.
Let’s be clear: work is not the enemy. Work is not a punishment. Work is not a meaningless grind you suffer through until the weekend. Work is a gift from God. And if you’re a Christian, your work ethic should scream something radically different from the lazy, entitled mindset flooding our culture.
Work Isn’t a Curse, It’s a Calling
Before sin ever entered the world, there was a job to do.
Genesis 2:15 “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
That’s pre-fall. That means work isn’t a punishment; it’s part of God’s design for mankind. Sin didn’t create work; it just made it harder (Genesis 3:17-19). But the presence of sweat doesn’t erase the purpose: God gave man work to do.
So why are we treating it like it’s evil? Like it’s something to avoid, dread, or do just enough to get by?
Christians Should Work Differently
If you're saved, you're not just punching a clock; you’re serving the Lord.
Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
That means:
You show up on time.
You get the job done right.
You don’t need someone breathing down your neck.
You don’t fake productivity while scrolling your phone.
You don’t live for the weekend, you live for Jesus.
Too many Christians are blending into a culture of minimal effort and maximum leisure. But Scripture calls us to stand out. If your co-workers can’t tell the difference between your work ethic and that of the guy who complains about every shift, you’re doing it wrong.
Men, You Were Built to Work
The modern world is confused. It tells men to find themselves in hobbies, feelings, or online validation. But God made men to work, to build, provide, lead, and steward.
When men don’t work hard, something breaks inside. Depression increases. Purpose vanishes. Passivity creeps in.
Yes, your identity is in Christ, not in your job title. But that doesn’t mean work is meaningless. On the contrary, hard work can forge discipline, build character, provide for your family, and open doors to witness. Men weren’t designed to sit around waiting for life to entertain them.
Don’t Go to Work to Get Out of It—Go to Work to Get Into It
Too many people clock in with one goal: clocking out. The mindset is, “How fast can I finish this? How little can I do without getting fired? How can I make it to Friday without breaking a sweat?”
That attitude shouldn’t be found in a believer. Christians shouldn't be looking for the minimum requirement; we should be bringing maximum effort, not to earn favor with man, but to honor God. Work isn't something we do just to get through it; it's something we do as unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
We’re not supposed to drag through our jobs. We’re supposed to get into it:
With diligence
With gratitude
With purpose
With testimony in mind
And while the culture might treat 35–40 hours a week like the ceiling of human capacity, Christians shouldn’t be afraid of putting in more when it's necessary. Hard work, long hours, and personal sacrifice are not enemies of joy—they are often the training ground for faithfulness and maturity.
Proverbs 12:24 “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”
If God’s given you strength, use it. If you have an opportunity, seize it. Don’t run from work, run toward it with resolve and purpose. Not because you’re a workaholic, but because you’re a servant of the Lord. If it takes more than 40 hours to provide, to lead well, or to finish with excellence, then do it gladly, not grudgingly.
Whether you're swinging a hammer, stocking shelves, writing code, or changing diapers, get into it. Put your heart into it because Christ is worth your best, even in the ordinary. Let the world watch you work and wonder what’s different. Let them see someone who isn’t just “getting by” but getting into their work with joy, grit, and a higher calling.
Work-Life Balance Isn’t a Free Pass to Be a Bum
Is rest Biblical? Absolutely. God Himself rested on the seventh day. Jesus took time away from the crowds. And yes, your body needs physical rest, your mind needs margin, and your family needs your attention.
But let’s not pretend that "balance" means you owe yourself three hours of Netflix because you sent a few emails. Or that you “deserve” a soft life with big rewards and minimal responsibility. The Proverbs call that person a sluggard, not a saint.
Proverbs 21:25 “The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.”
Proverbs 10:4 “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”
Balance doesn’t mean half-effort. It means giving your all to what matters—including your job, your family, your church, and your walk with God.
Let Your Work Be a Witness
In a world of chronic excuses, aimless wandering, and remote coasting through the bare minimum, a Christian who shows up, gets the job done, and does it with joy shines like a lighthouse.
Your work ethic might be the first sermon your co-worker hears. Your effort might be the thing that gives you a platform to speak Christ’s name with credibility. People will take your Gospel message seriously when they see you take your work seriously.
Work Hard. Rest Well. Live for Christ.
Don't fall into the trap of chasing "balance" like it’s the goal of life. Christ is the goal. But in chasing Him, you’ll find the rhythms of work and rest that honor Him. So yes, rest when it’s time to rest. Be present with your family. Be faithful to your church. But when it’s time to work, get after it.
Because when you work like you’re serving the Lord, it’s never just a job. It’s worship.
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