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Work is a beautiful thing. It gives us something worthwhile to do, something that gives colour to our lives, and is also our source of income, which enables us to buy food and other essential goods.
Work is indeed good.
However, too much of it is also bad.
There's this recent news of a person who died from overworking somewhere in Asia. Whenever I remember this poor fellow's story, it makes me ask myself: "Have I been giving my body enough rest?"
You should ask yourself that question, too: Do you give time to rest, or do you just work nonstop?
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Rest Should Be Non-Negotiable
Work is indeed good, but so is rest. In fact, rest should be a non-negotiable for all of us who follow Christ. We should never deny ourselves the rest that we need.
Do you think that rest isn't that important? Here are some reasons why you should think it is – and be convinced to get some rest.
1. Your Body Needs It
God designed our bodies to be greatly capable of doing many things, but with a limit: We all need to rest. Athletes and the strongest of people would also say that our bodies need rest. More importantly, it is God who said that we should rest.
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In Exodus 20:8-10, God said that we should "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work …"
God simply meant that on the Sabbath day, all of us should rest. God Himself rested from the work of creation (see verse 11), and commands us to rest as well. He knows we need it.
2. Rest Allows Our Bodies to Recover
When we are working continually, our strength and capacity to labour diminishes over time. Worse, fatigue might make us sick. Resting enables our body to recover its lost strength. It also gives our body systems the chance to heal whatever needs healing. Have you ever noticed why you feel better after a good night's sleep? It's because you're well rested.
Friends, we need to take care of our bodies. One of the best ways to do this is to simply get enough good quality rest. We can't serve God well if our bodies are down. Remember that when Jesus said, "For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:41), He was talking to His sleepy disciples – simply stating that sleepiness will hinder us from seeking the Lord.
3. Our Bodies Are the Holy Spirit's Temples
Lastly, did you know that your body is the Holy Spirit's temple? That's right – God chose to dwell in us, inside our bodies (see 1 Corinthians 6:19).
We should at least honour God's indwelling presence inside our bodies by taking care of it, and giving it rest.
Not only do we need to rest so that we could honour God, we can also serve Him better and hear Him better when our bodies are in good shape.
