Learning to rest well

Ben Marshall July 31, 2018

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Leaders are, by nature, driven. It is that same asset that can become a potential liability. 

The pace of the world we live in is 24/7 with a ceaseless pursuit of productivity, effectiveness and efficiency. These three (productivity, effectiveness, efficiency) are not bad things—they can be very positive! But, when they are pursued in an unhealthy manner, they can lead to a destructive way of life.

This book, Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop Worldis a textbook on healthy living in the midst of an unhealthy lifestyle promoted by much of culture. A.J. Swoboda, the author, writes, “In a world of doing, going, and producing, we have no use for a gift that invites us to stop.” 

The reality of Sabbath, of taking a rest, is a gift from God to all people, not just leaders. The Sabbath, Swoboda contends later on in the book, is for plants, animals, land, poor, rich, Christian, atheist—literally all of creation needs Sabbath because God wrote Sabbath into the fabric of creation prior to the Fall.

I think most of us have a general idea of what Sabbath is. Swoboda writes, “Sabbath is that ancient idea and practice of intentional rest… Sabbath is not new. Sabbath is just new to us.” 

I could probably count on one, maybe two hands the number of times I’ve heard a teaching, sermon, podcast, read a blog or book or article, regarding the idea of Sabbath keeping. It is a rare conversation because not keeping the Sabbath is usually rewarded with perks and higher pay, while at the same time, not keeping the Sabbath brings about heavy consequences such as damaging our bodies, minds, and relationships with family and friends.

Here is a truth-seeking question: When is the last time you’ve intentionally rested from work, productivity and even entertainment? This means putting the phone away, not binging on Netflix, not checking e-mail on your “day off,” and that sort of thing. 

When is the last time you intentionally rested? I know, personally, I don’t like my answer to that question… additionally, there is no real consistency or frequency with which I experience this kind of intentional rest.

One of the hardest-hitting points for me in the book, primarily because I am a pastor and work in the church, was this: “Sabbath forgetfulness is driven, so often, in the name of doing stuff for God rather than being with God. We are too busy working for him.” 

This is one of the temptations for those who work in Church ministry. We can get so busy doing stuff and being productive in the name of furthering the ministry, helping others mature in their faith, etc., that we forget about simply being with God and resting in His presence. 

What I and other leaders need, is to give time and space on our calendar to the grace of God. When I turn my calendar and schedule over to the grace of God, I am trusting that He can do more with me and through me in six days of work and one day of rest than I can in seven days of work. It is the same principle applied to that of tithing (i.e., God can do more with my 90 percent than I can with 100 percent). 

My prayer for each one of us is that we would learn how to rest hard after we’ve worked hard and that we might work rest into the natural rhythm of our week. This book is an absolute must-read for every leader, pastor, volunteer and person who has a tendency to be a good, strong, hard worker, but poor at resting. May we all learn to Sabbath well.

Photo source: istock 

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Ben Marshall is a Pastor at Pathway Church in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He works with teenagers and young adults. He is passionate about leadership and raising up the next generation of biblical leaders. He is a blogger, guitar player and sports enthusiast. Ben currently resides in Beaver Falls with his wife Connie and their two daughters, Aliya and Sophie Learn More »

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