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Teen Connect
by Toby Levering

September 5, 2010

Rest

Has anyone ever actually had a “lazy summer”?

It seems now with nearly every extracurricular activity comes a mandated summer trip or camp. Besides church calendars there are band camps, cheer camps, drama camps, football camps, wrestling camps, basketball camps, etc. With all the extra stuff packed into a time when everyone is “free,” summers are almost busier than the school year.

Labor Day weekend used to be the last weekend of summer. But, anymore, it’s just the first break the kiddos have. By any perspective, it is at least a welcome break to have one less Monday to endure.

God blessed man in giving him work. It is God’s will for man to work. Paul made this point in 2 Thess. 3:6-10 when he wrote: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."

Working honors God (who gave man his abilities and talents) and gives man his purpose and utility.

But, God also desires that we rest. Now, under the new covenant, we are not bound by the Sabbath rules. But, in the example that God set at creation and even in our day-to-day rhythms, we understand that there are times of productivity and times to rest. And just as not working is a sin, so too can overworking cause you to neglect your family and even God for a few extra dollars on the paystub.

In the 23rd Psalm, David noted that the Good Shepherd does many things for His sheep. He provides for them. He leads them. And He even “makes them lie down in green pastures.” (23:2) Why? A wise shepherd understands that we need rest. He knows us and knows that exhausted, cranky sheep are more stressed and less productive.

So, this weekend, enjoy your rest. You’ve (hopefully) earned it. And as you enjoy a break from your labors, remember to praise God for blessing you with the ability to work, giving you talents that are useful to the market and blessing the work that you will do in the days to come.