How can I have a good work/life balance?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

God worked (Genesis 1:1-15), and we were created to do the same (Genesis 2:15; Proverbs 6:6–11; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, 5:18-20). Still, Scripture also indicates that work should not be the end goal of our life; to do so is vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:21-25). Rest and play are important, too. Even God rested after His work of Creation by way of example to us (Genesis 2:2-3).

We must remember that true fulfillment and true rest are found in Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30). If our work is not centered on God, it is in vain (Psalm 16:11, 127:1-5; Matthew 6:19-21). If our rest is to escape reality and to fulfill our own pleasures, it also is in vain.

Perhaps one of the best examples we can look to when it comes to living a “balanced” life is the type of person described in Proverbs 31:10-31, a diligent worker who leaves time in her schedule to serve those in need and hold to her faith. Whether we are working, enjoying the results of our work, serving others, or resting—our purpose is to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God created the world but then took time to rest from His work (Genesis 1:1-15), not because He was tired as He has no physical limitations that would tire Him. Rather, He set the example for us as His image-bearers.
• From the beginning, work has been within God’s design for us (Genesis 2:15). Work is beneficial when it is done with God’s purposes in mind.
• Israelite workers were not to work solely for themselves but were to be generous. Exodus 23:10-11 discusses God's instructions to not sow the land during each seventh year to replenish it, so that the poor in the community can eat of the seventh-year harvest, and so beasts of the field can eat of the land after the poor have taken their fill. The same applied to vineyards and olive orchards.
• Ultimate fulfillment will never be found through our work but through God (Psalm 127:1-5). Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
• Not making work the center of our lives doesn't mean that we should be lazy, though. In Proverbs 6:6–11, the “sluggard” is told to observe the ant's diligent work as an example.
• Proverbs 31:10-31 presents the attributes of an excellent wife—someone who works hard and builds physical strength, but also lovingly serves others and fears God. She is a great example of a good work/life balance.
• Taking pleasure in work (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13) and enjoying the fruits of our labor (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20) is fine. But living to work is vanity. God is the source from whom we get provision and enjoyment (Ecclesiastes 2:21-23).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus warned of focusing our lives on anything other than God: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20).
• In Christ, we find the ultimate rest: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).
• Everything we do, including our work, should be done for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

There isn’t a specific how-to guide in the Bible for achieving a perfect work/life balance. However, we are given clear instruction on the importance of work, relationships, and rest. As beings made in the image of God, it is within His design for us to work (Genesis 2:15) and against it for us to be idle (2 Thessalonians 3:6–12; 1 Timothy 5:8). However, there is such a thing as burn-out, pushing ourselves so hard in our work that we collapse underneath the pressure. We must avoid this pitfall by following God’s example of resting from our work (Genesis 2:2). Taking time to play, physically recharge, and enjoy the good gifts God provides is not wasteful—it is wise stewardship of the bodies and lives He has entrusted to us.

Still, we must examine our motives for both work and rest, ensuring we are not driven by anxiety, greed, or a desire for approval but by trust in God’s provision and a desire to glorify Him (Matthew 6:25–34; 1 Timothy 6:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Our main purpose in this world is not to be successful at our earthly job or to rest and satisfy your desires all day but to love God and others well (Matthew 22:37-39; Hebrews 10:24-25).

A healthy work/life balance is not about equal hours but about ordered priorities—loving God first, loving others well, and faithfully stewarding our responsibilities without neglecting rest.

UNDERSTAND

• Work benefits us when we keep God’s purposes and glory in mind, but with the wrong motives, work can become an unhealthy addiction.
• Rest is important for our health and spiritual well-being.
• Rest does not mean laziness; it means finding our peace in Him.

REFLECT

• What biblical truths inform your view of work and your work ethic?
• How do you seek to glorify God in your work and other aspects of your life?
• What specific boundaries could you establish to better order your priorities around loving God and loving others?

ENGAGE

• How can believers cultivate a culture that values both diligent work and intentional rest for the glory of God?
• What does a God-centered work ethic look like, and how might it visibly differ from the world’s approach?
• How can we help one another discern when rest is restorative and when it has become avoidance or laziness?