What is the Protestant work ethic and why does it need to be tempered with rest?
You’re a go-getter, a high achiever. When you say you’ll do something, you mean it and you mean it will be done correctly. Now, check your calendar. When was the last time you took a rest day? It’s been a while.
No wonder you’re so tired and on the verge of burnout. You need a break. It’s more than a mental or physical break. It’s a break in your overstuffed agenda to reset and refill your spiritual cup. You need rest.
What is the Protestant work ethic?
The phrase “Protestant work ethic” was coined by Max Weber in his book “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,” published in 1905. Weber claims in his book that the connection between religion and economic success is so strong that we don’t even know when we started overworking ourselves. Regardless of what you call it, Americans are driven, well, to work. It’s the American dream, right?
Sure, Americans spent approximately 1,767 hours working in 2020. But, contrary to popular belief, that’s lower than some other countries, including Mexico. Americans are learning to value work-life balance. And it’s about time.
How to find rest from the Protestant work ethic
God created the world in six days (see Genesis, Chapter 1). On the seventh day, He rested. You’ve probably heard that point a few times as a reason why we, Christians, should rest once per week. This was before the Protestant work ethic kicked into high gear.
That seventh day — also known as a Sabbath day — is designed for rest and worship. Many times, that second part gets left out. We were made to worship. Going to church for one hour per week on Sunday doesn’t really fill that bucket, either. Sunday should be a day for you to refill your spiritual cup, and ditch the Protestant work ethic for a while.
Here’s what the Bible has to say about finding rest:
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Hebrews 4:9-11 (NIV) — “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.”
Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV) — “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
Exodus 20:8-10 (NIV) — “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.”
Here’s some tips to help you have a restful and worshipful Sunday:
Set your focus on Jesus. Before you even pick out your outfit for church, set your mind on Jesus. Take some time when you wake up to pray and ask God to reveal to you His presence. Don’t be lazy in your rest. Find unique and creative ways to worship Jesus. Some ideas may include taking a hike or visiting the beach, remembering to praise God for His creation.
Spend time with your family and friends. That’s right, fellowship can be a form of worship. Take some time to thank Jesus for your family and friends and for the time that you get to spend with them.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. You can also find out what our community’s purpose and passion are all about by checking out some of the past sermons we’ve posted on our website.
Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our podcast series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.