“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest”
Laboring from Rest: Embracing God's Approval in Christ
How to Work While Resting
In a world that often measures worth by productivity and approval, it's easy to feel like we have to work tirelessly to earn acceptance. However, as believers in Christ, we are invited to approach our kingdom work from a place of rest, knowing that we are already approved by God through Christ's finished work. We can co-labor with Him, ceasing from our own works, resting in Christ’s completed work, and live free from the fear of scrutiny, thriving in our God-given passions and callings.
Not Working for Approval, But from Approval
I’m sure you have experienced the pressure of working for someone's approval—striving to be accepted. This mindset can lead to anxiety and burnout, as we constantly worry about making mistakes and being judged. But the gospel offers a different way: we are complete in Him, and what we do now is labor from completeness rather than striving to be made whole with God through trying to be holy and constant repentance..
Working While Resting in His Finished Work
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to enter God's rest:
"For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience" (Hebrews 4:8-11).
This passage reminds us that we can cease from our works because God has already completed the work of salvation. Our efforts are no longer about earning approval but living out the reality of God's finished work.
Why Can We Rest?
Paul writes in Romans:
"For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:3-4).
And in Acts, we read:
"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses" (Acts 13:38-39).
These verses highlight the completeness of Christ's work on our behalf. Because Jesus has fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law, we are justified and forgiven. This is the foundation of our rest: the work of salvation and sanctification is complete, and we now live within that reality.
How Do You Enter God's Rest?
Entering God's rest involves a few key steps:
Repent and Believe the Gospel: Acknowledge your need for Christ and trust in His finished work.
Cease from Your Own Works to Be Approved: Stop striving for approval through your efforts and rest in the approval that comes from God.
Have a Heart of Faith Toward God: Believe what He has said about your situation and commit to trusting Him.
A Heart of Faith Toward God
To cultivate a heart of faith, we must immerse ourselves in God's promises. Do you know what He has said about your situation? Are you committed to believing Him and resting in His finished work in that area? This faith allows us to work diligently and passionately without the fear of making mistakes or being rejected.
Productivity from a Place of Rest
When we labor from rest, we become the most productive. Our work is not driven by a need for acceptance but by the freedom and security we have in Christ. We are no longer worried about making mistakes because we know that the God of unlimited provision is with us, blessing our efforts.
Laboring from rest means you can intensely work from your passion and love for people in your calling without the worry and fear of rejection. Embrace the rest that Christ offers, and let it transform the way you work and live. I encourage you to quit waiting until you feel ready to step into those kingdom passion that are stirring in your heart. Move out in love, plan well, work diligently, and thrive in your calling!
