⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
Biblical Balance Between Work and Rest
How should Christians think biblically about work and rest?In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins answers a question many believers wrestle with. Some live in constant productivity, measuring their worth by output. Others drift into passivity, disconnected from meaningful labor. But Scripture offers a better path.The Word of God teaches that both work and rest are gifts from God. When rightly understood, they complement one another and help us live faithfully for His glory.Listen or Watch
Key Scriptures
- Genesis 2:1–3
- Colossians 3:23–24
- Matthew 11:28–30
Main Idea
Work and rest are not enemies. Both are gifts from God, designed to glorify Him and sustain faithful living.Episode Highlights
- Work is part of God’s design, not a result of the fall
- Work becomes worship when done for the Lord
- Rest reflects trust in God, not laziness
- True rest is found in Christ alone
Summary
1. Work Is a Gift, Not a Curse
Work existed before sin entered the world. God created humanity to cultivate and steward His creation. Though sin introduced toil, work itself remains meaningful and good.2. Work as Worship
Colossians 3 teaches that whatever we do should be done for the Lord. This transforms everyday tasks into acts of worship marked by faithfulness, integrity, and diligence.3. Rest Is a Gift
God established a rhythm of rest in creation. Rest reminds us that we are dependent creatures. Refusing rest often reveals pride and self-reliance.4. True Rest Is Found in Christ
Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him. Beyond physical rest, He offers soul rest through forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace with God.Application
- Work diligently without making work your identity
- Rest intentionally without drifting into idleness
- Guard the Lord’s Day as a rhythm of worship
- Find your deepest rest in Christ
Call to Action
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs biblical clarity on work and rest. Subscribe to Contending for the Word Q&A, YouTube, and visit Servants of Grace for more resources.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
