In this fallen world, the idea of having a master is often tainted by histories of abuse or neglect. It can seem that the best answer is to be one’s own master (i.e. I listen to, am accountable to, and answer to no one but myself because no one knows me better than I know myself). But we must remember David’s words in Psalm 139:13-14, which remind us that an intentional creator formed each of us, both inwardly and outwardly. Therefore, our creator must know us better than anyone, including ourselves:
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
And, no matter what we do, we serve someone (or something), as the words of Joshua declare: “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell” (Joshua 24:15a). Additionally, Peter warned us that following a human being as ultimate master will only bring us ruin, regardless of the freedoms they may promise, for how can human beings who themselves are vulnerable to sin provide complete freedom from it for other people? (2 Peter 2:19).
Many of us have decided to serve the best master, like Joshua proclaimed for himself and his household (Joshua 24:15b). And in response to our Lord’s care and grace, we’ll want to be the best workers.
It’s good to have a strong work ethic, and to want to get things done. Yet we must keep in mind that Jesus invites us at once into his work and his rest. There is no person who does not require rest of some kind at any given moment, whether that be physical, mental, or emotional, and yet this is so often forgotten in every field of life, from the workplace, to the home, to the church. Everywhere, we are tempted to turn the good characteristic of a strong work ethic into an idol; people are praised for working through the night and going without meals. We must be reminded that Jesus prepared breakfast and ate with his disciples before sending them to work (John 21:12). Even in times when it seems impossible to avoid the overwork, it should always be labeled as such: it should not be normalized, or construed as health.
As Bishop Ken Untener wrote in his poem, “A Future Not Our Own”:
We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of
liberation in realizing this.
This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.
[…]
We may never see the end results, but that is the
difference between the master builder and the worker.
Jesus’ assignment for each of us this season is specific and aligned with the ability he has given us and the rest he provides. To enter his rest is to look to him as our master, focused on the next step he has made available. For he knows the work that must be done better than anyone, and is the one who alone can complete it. Especially when we feel overwhelmed, we must remember we have a choice about who we ultimately obey; we have the freedom to change our master to the one who said: “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).