Fighting Sound and LightSample

Day 3: Working from home or living at work?

Work time and home time are becoming more and more inseparable. Some jobs expect employees to stay later than their shift, some people use work time to do their personal online shopping, and now some people bring work home with them in the form of email. All of us are most likely guilty of at least one of these from time to time. More work is seen as more productive, and more productive is seen as more valuable. So, of course, we feel more valuable when we do more work by taking it everywhere.

Is it wrong to do work at home? I hesitate to make a judgment here, because I don’t think it’s a sin issue if it’s under control. Just like anything, work can become an idol and take over your time and energy. If it takes over your time with God, it might be time to do a heart check and remember why you do the work you do.

I know when I’m in a conversation with people, I would much rather they focus in and talk with me than check their phones. God certainly is not petty like I am, but our respect and awe for him should far exceed that for our friends––or even that for a king. I doubt that if you had a weekly audience with a king who loved you dearly that you would be concerned about the work you have to do. You might leave everything behind so you can be in his presence, listen and learn from him.

If while you are praying or reading God’s Word, you have the urge to check your work email, don’t be discouraged. Our minds don’t always have our priorities straight. God knows our struggle, and he knows our hearts. While your mind might tempt you, you have the choice whether or not to give in and pause your conversation with God to think about the thing you’re supposed to be doing for him.

God wants you to do things for him, but more than that, he wants you to come to him. Jesus promised rest to all who come to him weary and burdened (Matt. 11:28). Rest requires setting aside work and allowing ourselves to focus on something else or let our minds dream a little. When we rest in Jesus, we set work aside to be in his presence, talking with and listening to him. He wants to give you this. Will you let him?