In today’s culture, we have equated a slower-paced-life with laziness and a lack of purpose. We believe the lie that we are more valuable when we do more and accomplish more. And so, we go-go-go and do-do-do in order to earn for ourselves more purpose, accolades, and worth. But is that a biblical worldview, a biblical truth? God Himself worked for 6 days and then took a seventh day rest! We are asked to do the same, to rest in God one full day a week (Exodus 20:8).
And when we rush our children from practice from lessons to activities, from school to sporting games to quick meals, from playdates to classes and beyond, we are adding to their need to find their value in what they do rather than who they are, or whose they are. Simply consider that the amount of time we spend doing any given activity communicates the value that we give that activity. And what we give more of our time and attention is the more important thing; it is what we prioritize and value.
And by not stopping to rest and intentionally slow down, we are inadvertently communicating that we believe we are god of our own lives, in control over our destiny, and must always be working towards some earthly goal. We believe the lie, “If we don’t do it, no one will.” Instead, we need to choose to rest and live in the Truth that it is God who is in control (Psalm 46:10).
What slowing down and prioritizing God’s heart and plans means for you and your family will depend on your personal balance of work, family life, and ministry. It may look like saying no to Sunday activities for your children. It may look like saying no to working one day a week. It may look like unplugging from social media for a season. It may look like waiting on and praying for God to provide instead of figuring out how to make it work in your own strength. It may look like more family game nights or movie nights. It may look like an afternoon nap. It may look like taking a family walk. It may look like a night of prayer together. What it will actually look like for your family will be different, but these are the two biblical foundations of what your rest will look like:
- It will communicate biblical priorities and values.
- It will show that you are relying on and resting in God rather than yourself.
What are some ways that your family can slow down and rest in Him better? Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) He doesn’t want to add one more rule or gotta-do to our already full plates, He wants us to rest in Him and learn to trust Him more with our time, resources, and plans. What do you need to prioritize to refocus your life on eternal things?
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