Do you live to work, or work to live? This is what, in logic, is called a “false dilemma.” It implies a choice that isn’t necessary.

First, we do live to work. We’re made for work. Work gives us dignity. A man out of work is a man out of sorts.

Work is an expression of worship. Work done well is its own reward. And work done well opens both temporal and eternal doors. As Francis Schaefer said, “If you do your work well, you will have a chance to speak.”

So when working, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

Second, we work to live. In other words, there’s more to life than work, work, work. Busy is good, if it’s balanced.

But because a man who loves his work is prone to make work into an idol, the Bible cautions, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:4-5).

How can we tell if we are striking the right balance? If we don’t have enough time for our families, we can be 100% certain we are not following God’s will for our lives. Be sure to give time to whom time is due!

Until every church disciples every man…

Pat