Reclaiming God’s Vision for Work in an Age of Burnout and Binge-Watching

Pastor Marc Likins

We live in a cultural paradox.

On one hand, Americans are more exhausted than ever—burned out from work, overrun by expectations, and chasing productivity like it’s a badge of honor. On the other hand, we’re more obsessed with leisure than ever before. We're binging shows, scrolling endlessly, gaming for hours, and living for the weekend.

What’s going on?

Many young men today are stuck in prolonged adolescence. Raised in a culture that made fun the ultimate goal of youth, they were given cars, phones, and freedom—but not much responsibility. From the soccer field to the youth group, they were told, “Enjoy these years. Real life comes later.”

But real life came. And many weren’t ready for it.

Now in their 30s and 40s, some are still stuck in neutral. Purpose has been traded for play. Hours disappear into video games, YouTube rabbit trails, or yet another round of golf—not because rest is bad, but because responsibility was never learned.

And on the other end of the spectrum, we find people giving everything to their work. Career becomes not just a means to an end—but the end itself. Work isn’t just what they do. It’s who they are.

As one journalist put it, “Workism is making Americans miserable.”

Our jobs have become the temples where we worship. Companies design offices to mimic home—offering massages, meals, and meditation rooms—not just to make you happy, but to make sure you never leave.

It’s no wonder that we’re exhausted and empty. We’ve made career our idol, and comfort our escape.

But there’s a better way.

God’s Vision: Work as Worship, Not Worth

From the first page of Scripture, God paints a radically different picture of work. He doesn’t start the Bible with a sermon or a song—but with a job. Creation.

God worked. And then He called it good.

When He made Adam, He didn’t say, “Enjoy the garden, kick your feet up, and chill.” He said, “Dress it and keep it.” God gave Adam a shovel, not a hammock.

That means work isn’t a curse. It’s a calling. Not a punishment—but a purpose.

But we also know that the Fall twisted work. What was once delightful became difficult. The ground now fights back. Our work brings both dignity and drudgery. And that’s why we need a biblical theology of work—a framework that helps us follow Jesus with integrity on Monday, not just on Sunday.

Six Truths That Shape How We Work

1. Work is a gift from God.

From Genesis 1, we see God working—and calling us to do the same. We were made in His image to rule, reign, create, and contribute. The word radah (dominion) speaks to this responsibility.

This means all honest work is sacred—whether you’re driving a truck, teaching a class, swinging a hammer, or writing code.

2. Work is hard because of sin.

Genesis 3 reminds us: work now includes sweat, frustration, and failure. But that doesn’t make it bad. It just means we need grace in the grind.

Work won’t always feel fulfilling. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to find a job that never feels like work—it’s to be faithful even when it does.

3. Work can be worship.

The Hebrew word kavanna means “holy intent.” It’s the idea that our everyday actions—done with the right heart—can become acts of worship.

Paul wrote, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Changing diapers? Leading a meeting? Roasting coffee? If it’s done in love and integrity, it matters to God.

4. Laziness is not Christlike.

The Bible doesn’t mince words: “He becomes poor who works with a slack hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Proverbs 10:4)

Work ethic is not optional for the believer. If Jesus is Lord, He’s also Lord of your timecard.

5. Hard work usually pays off.

This isn’t prosperity gospel—it’s Proverbs. Faithfulness over time tends to bear fruit. Not always in dollars, but in trust, character, and influence.

God sees. And God rewards.

If you're just starting out, hear this: Get a job. Show up early. Stay late. Learn. Grow. Honor God with the effort, not just the outcome.

6. Work is for contribution, not just consumption.

We don’t work just to get—we work to give.

Proverbs 11:10 says, “When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices.” In other words, when God's people succeed, everyone benefits.

Why? Because we don’t hoard blessing—we share it. We tithe. We serve. We use our earnings, influence, and skills to lift others.

We disadvantage ourselves for the advantage of others because Jesus did the same for us.

Conclusion: A Different Kind of People

In a world that either idolizes work or runs from it, the church should be different.

We aren’t driven by status or paralyzed by sloth. We show up. We serve. We stay faithful. Not to impress God—but to reflect Him.

We believe our jobs are not the point of life—but they are the platform for loving others and glorifying Christ.

So whatever your role—CEO or cashier, teacher or technician—work with kavanna. With love. With persistence. With open hands.

Because when we work God’s way, we don’t just build careers. We build the Kingdom.

Scripture References (KJV):

• Genesis 1–3

• Psalm 24:1

• Proverbs 3:9; 10:4; 11:10–11

• 1 Corinthians 10:31

• Colossians 3:23–24