I love reading articles and blogs that make me think.

I recently had that privilege—when reading an article in the African edition of The Gospel Coalition, entitled, “Pastor, You’ll Burnout if Your Idea of Hard Work is Worldly.” (April 27, 2022)

How can you resist a title like that, right?

The author of the article, John Koning, notes that the Bible is full of references to the need of pastors to work hard. Paul himself states that he, “worked harder than all of them.” (1 Corinthians 15:10). But what is the Biblical definition of “working hard”?

In doing a search of the Bible, I wanted to see what Scripture said about hard work. There are many, many references to hard work in the Bible, but here are a few that relate directly to this topic—God’s definition of hard work. (All Bible verses are from the ESV)

1. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3

2. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23

3. “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:14-15

4. “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for the members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8

5. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

6. “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Proverbs 13:11

Let’s take these seven and put them together in a manner that Scripture supports.

First, we must commit our work to the Lord. We were made by Him for a specific purpose—a specific part of His plan. So, we need to seek the Lord’s will and commit to Him what we are doing—always mindful and searching for his will. The work we do should be done with gusto—with joy—so we reflect our Lord to the world. Happy laborers stand out. People will want to know the source of your joy. Tell them!

Our work is for the Lord, but it also has an intrinsic purpose—to support our families and to help the weak and the poor. We should expect to develop our own savings little by little and not seek windfalls. If they happen, great—but we should not equate “hard work” with “wealth.” Hard work is work that honors God.

Going back to the article that started me on this search, author John Koning notes that we should not impose 21st Century rhythms onto the Biblical concept of hard work. He notes that Paul went on three very long missionary journeys, as well as another lengthy journey from Jerusalem to Rome. “He travelled on foot, horseback, by cart and chariot, and on ships—often months of slow travel. He likely travelled for many years.” This meant Paul had large blocks of time “to read Scripture, reflect, pray, think and meditate. Paul also spent a fair chunk of time in prison, which he also considered strategic ministry time.”

So, the Biblical definition of hard work does not include the frantic pace of the modern-day world.

Koning urges us not to confuse busyness with hard work. He proposes a “more contemplative, reflective lifestyle.”

And, it all begins with prayer.

Spurgeon’s adage was, “Work yourself to death, and pray yourself alive.”

Prayer fuels joy.

Prayer fuels gratitude.

Prayer is a lifeline.

Pastor Tim Keller was recently asked what he would do differently if he could start his ministry over again. He said, “I would pray much more.”

Koning says, “I would pray and meditate on Scriptures more. And then pray more.”

Prayer. It is easily done. But, it is equally easy to set aside. Replace busyness with prayer first. Add to it meditation and reflection on Scripture. These will fuel you for service.

I will end as Koning did, quoting the lyrics from the beloved hymn “Take Time to by Holy,” by William D. Longstaff:

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.