Rise & Grind vs. Arise & ShineSample

As business professionals, we are often encouraged to adopt the “rise and grind” mindset – to work hard and relentlessly pursue success. For years, I followed this concept myself. I trained on this with my team. While this mentality can be beneficial in some ways, it can also lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of balance in our lives. How long can one rise and grind before breaking down? It’s simply not a sustainable way of living or of working.

As Christians, we are called to a different way of living – one that prioritizes rest, peace, and joy. In Isaiah 60:1, we read, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”

This verse reminds us that our strength and success come not from our own efforts, but from the light of God that shines within us. Rather than constantly striving to rise and grind, we can choose to arise and shine – to allow God’s light to guide us and fill us with His peace. We don’t whittle ourselves down into dust. To rise and grind is to work ourselves to the brink. To arise and shine is to frame your thoughts in a more positive, and much more sustainable manner.

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us to come to him and find rest:

“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.”

So today, let us choose to arise and shine, trusting in God’s strength and grace to guide us as we work. May we find rest in Him, and experience the joy that comes from living in His light.