Topical Bible: Working Too Much

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Definition and Context:
Working too much, often referred to as overwork or workaholism, is the excessive dedication to one's occupation at the expense of other aspects of life, including family, rest, and spiritual well-being. In the biblical context, work is seen as a God-given responsibility and a means to provide for oneself and others. However, when work becomes an idol or a source of identity, it can lead to spiritual and relational neglect.

Biblical Principles and Warnings:
The Bible provides guidance on the balance between work and rest. In Genesis 2:2-3, God Himself sets an example by resting on the seventh day after creation, establishing a pattern for humanity. The Fourth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:8-10, instructs, "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." This command underscores the importance of rest and worship.

Ecclesiastes 4:6 warns against the futility of overwork: "Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." This verse highlights the value of contentment and the dangers of relentless pursuit of wealth and success.

Consequences of Overwork:
Overworking can lead to physical exhaustion, mental stress, and spiritual dryness. Jesus addresses the issue of anxiety and misplaced priorities in Matthew 6:31-33: "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage encourages believers to trust in God's provision rather than being consumed by work-related concerns.

Work as Worship:
Colossians 3:23-24 provides a framework for understanding work as an act of worship: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." This perspective elevates work to a divine calling but also implies that it should not overshadow one's relationship with God.

Balancing Work and Rest:
Proverbs 23:4 advises, "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness." This wisdom literature emphasizes the importance of balance and reliance on God rather than self-sufficiency. The New Testament also speaks to the need for rest and renewal. In Mark 6:31, Jesus invites His disciples to rest: "Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while."

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to evaluate their work habits and ensure that they align with biblical principles. This includes setting aside time for rest, family, and spiritual growth. The practice of Sabbath rest, as well as regular times of prayer and reflection, can help maintain a healthy balance.

Conclusion:
While work is a vital part of life and a means to fulfill God's purposes, it should not become an idol or a source of identity. By prioritizing rest, worship, and relationships, believers can honor God in their work and maintain a balanced life.

Topical Bible Verses

Matthew 13:22
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
Topicalbible.org

Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Introductory Remarks on the Importance of Orthodoxy
... Revolution itself is too much of a system; liberty itself is too much of a ... men in
the strong ages would have understood what you meant by working for efficiency ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/i introductory remarks on the.htm

A Pure Church an Increasing Church
... I believe, dear brethren, that modern Christianity has far too much lost the vivid
impression of this present Christ as actually dwelling and working among us. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a pure church an increasing.htm

Preface to the First Edition of the Gospel of the Pentateuch to ...
... we have read of late a great deal too much, and ought ... and I cannot but still believe,
after much thought, that it"the powerful and working element, the ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/preface to the first edition.htm

Footnites
... hymn-melodies were written, a musician was working in the ... The secular airs, too,
of that time were often as ... from a comic opera by Offenbach so much in favour ...
/.../bridges/a practical discourse on some principles of hymn-singing/footnites.htm

The Universal Gift
... because they limit their notions far too much of what ... place, declare of themselves
that they, too, were but ... see another sphere of the Spirit's working in the ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the universal gift.htm

Waiting on God
... It is too difficult for you and me to attain, but our God will give it to us. ... Just
as much as you have of God working in you, that alone is religion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/iii waiting on god.htm

Instructions for Fishermen
... But, further, and more particularly, I do not think that I am unduly reading too
much meaning into this story, if I ask ... I have been working hard all the night. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/instructions for fishermen.htm

The Beginning of Miracles.
... make, and that towards which he is ever working, is the Best ... It is like his Father,
too, not to withhold good wine ... God knows how and how much, and where and when ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/ii the beginning of miracles.htm

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
... The sight is too much for his eyes ... a promise that man shall have fullest opportunity
unchecked by the natural sweeping judgment, that invariable working out of ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/v an advance step in the.htm

The Unknown To-Morrow
... writers had too much to do, and too much besides to ... but that we may together consider
how much they contain of ... but His gentle and strong hand is working in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the unknown to-morrow.htm