Recap Week 4

Okay, so first thing, when a couple of us starting reading this week, we thought of this,  I tried to embed it, but it didn't want to cooperate, so just follow the link please.

http://youtu.be/wM1DgihKHVI

I know it's cheesy, but it's a perfect lead in to this chapter.  The opening paragraph even talked about this story, it's one of Aesop's Fables.

The chapter this week was titled "Balancing Work and Rest" and the theme verse to open it was Proverbs 6:6 - "Go to the ant, your sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise" 

See why we thought of that old "Silly Symphony"?

The chapter asks the questions-

How much work is too much work?

How much rest is too much rest?

Where is the balance?

Section 1 points out that Proverbs has a ton of verses that parallel the "Aesop's Fable", 6 verses in particular. Proverbs 6:9, 12:24, 12:27, 13:4, 15:19 and 21:25 to be exact.  All of these verses are very critical and negative about laziness.

Section 2 leads us to the New Testement to see that God's opinion on laziness hasn't changed. Paul flat out warns the Thessalonians that "if you don't work, you don't eat".  That doesn't exactly line up with how our system works these days, does it?  God wants us to work to provide for our own needs as well as we can.  If we're not putting in any effort, how can we expect Him to? God always provides for His children when we need Him to, but He also expects us to use the gifts and talents He's given us to provide for ourselves.

God established a time of rest for us though, right in the beginning.  He knew working all the time wasn't good for us, we'd burn out, be unhappy, tired, unhealthy, without some time to rest and recoup and get refocused on what's important. That's why He established the idea of the "sabbath".  Everyone needs a day of rest! Exodus 23:12 and 31:15 explain this.  In Old Testament times, the Sabbath was so sacred no one did anything that involved any form or exertion.  Opening a door, fixing a meal, walking to get somewhere, were all against the rules on the Sabbath. Now it seems like we use Sunday as a crazy rush around catch up day most of the time, but that's not what God intended.

Section 4 encourages us to get away every once in awhile. Sometimes just escaping yoru routine can make a huge difference in your effort and energy levels towards your work.  That's why most jobs offer vacation time!  Psalm 55:6 echoes this sentiment.

Prioritizing rest will make sure we get some.  God promises to be our peace and rest in Mark 6:31 and Matthew 11:28-29 we're to turn to Him and let us protect us from life's chaos so that we can get the rest we need and refocus on Him.

Section 6 reminds us that not all times are restful times.  Neither laziness or workaholicnesss (I know it's not a word) are a good thing, God wants us to balance them and be diligent.

Proverbs 27:23 - Be diligent to take care of our responsibilities

2 Timothy 2:15 - Be diligent to keep your integrity and witness pure

Hebrews 4:11 - Be diligent to rest

2 Peter 1:10 - Be diligent to keep your priorities straight

2 Peter 3:14 - Be diligent to do things God's way

Section 7 encourages us to keep our focus on God, and prioritize our lives the way He would.  If we're striving towards the right goals, He'll protect us from exhaustion and grant us peace, even when we're working hard.

Every life needs a balance of work and rest.  Too much of either is bad for body and soul.

Use these verses to dig deeper this week.

Romans 12:11

2 Corinthians 8:7

Hebrews 6:11

2 Peter 1:5

See you next week!

Stefanie