The Hustle Gospel: Lies of Work and Worthనమూనా

YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO: THE LIE OF PRODUCTIVITY

Do you ever get weary of the hustle of life and work? What is it all for? In the United States, there is a culture of hurry and a “work hard to get what you want” attitude. Recently, it’s led to many people looking for side-hustles or second jobs that can be managed online. Work consumes your life all day, all the time. If you just work harder or work more, you will be loved, respected, and have everything your heart desires. Yet, this leads to burnout and exhaustion.

Values of the Hustle culture:

-My value depends on how much I get done.

-If I rest, I’m just being lazy.

-If I stay busy, I’ll stay important.

-I’ll rest when I’ve earned it.

-Work hard now so I can finally enjoy life later.

-People only notice results.

-I matter because I contribute.

What if you were already loved, even before you did any work? What if your worth isn’t connected to the work you produce? This is the promise of the gospel. God knows you and loves you, without even considering the work you have done.

Values of the Gospel culture:

-You are fully accepted as God’s child, no performance required (Romans 8:15).

-Rest is an act of worship and trust (Hebrews 4:9-10).

-Jesus walked away from crowds to be with the Father (Luke 5:15-16).

-Sabbath rest is a gift from God, not a prize for productivity (Mark 2:27).

-Life with God starts now, not someday (John 17:3).

-God honors the humble, not the high-achieving (Matthew 23:11-12).

-Your identity is safe and secure in Christ (Colossians 3:3).

Ask Yourself:

-Which of the values of the Hustle culture do I find myself believing?

-Which of the values of the Gospel culture do I want to lean into more?

Pause to Pray: Thank you, Lord, for seeing me and loving me without requiring anything from me. Help me to rest from work and to value my identity in Christ more than my identity in my work. Amen.

Identity Reset: Replace “I am what I do” with “I am loved before I lift a finger.” Choose one task that you normally associate with your identity and let it go unfinished or unnoticed. Let that space become a sacred reminder: you’re not what you do. You’re already His!