One of Satan’s tactics is to take us from one extreme to the other – from laziness to workaholism. Understanding the difference between being a hard worker versus a workaholic is key. Hard workers have the wisdom to set limits on how much they will do in the course of a day. In her book 30 Days to a Stronger, More Confident You, Deborah Smith Pegues wrote: ‘I was in denial about my propensity towards workaholism until I realised that I had too many of the tell-tale symptoms: I worked late the majority of the time. Most of my conversations revolved around the issues at the office. I rarely took lunch breaks. I was always multitasking; I rarely performed any task single-mindedly. If I talked on the phone, I would also use the time to tidy the house. If I watched television, I also organised papers, and on and on it went. When I tried relaxing, I would think of all the things I should be doing. My to-do list had more items on it than I could possibly achieve during a single day. I was a slave to my overcommitted calendar; I left little or no downtime. Everybody seemed to move too slowly. I was always rushing to the next appointment. I looked forward to the accolades I received for performing well. I found little time to nurture my friendships…Today, I try to engage only in those activities I feel are part of God’s plan for my life.’ What great advice! Jesus said to His hard-working disciples: ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ Is the Lord saying the same thing to you?

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.