Hustle culture glorifies relentless work and constant productivity, and gives an impression that there’s always more to strive for, more money to make, a bigger title awaits, and a high ceiling to smash. This all-consuming work culture is often at the cost of personal well-being, stress, burnout, mental illness, and work-life balance. Some argue more people strive for meaning and community. For some work is their god and should devote all themselves to it and sacrifice everything else, including family. Some Go-getters have set a bad precedent. Sadly, many are affected by High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, insomnia, fatigue, tension headaches, digestive problems, and a reduced immune system.
Economic Exploitation: Jacob laments about his work, under his uncle Laban: Sleep departed from my eyes. (Genesis 31:40) Laban knew the diligence of Jacob and overburdened him with work as he became wealthy and his sons led a life of luxury. Many employers are like Laban, who wish to extract work from employees without caring for their welfare. Paul warns that God is the master of both employers and employees and is accountable to Him. (Ephesians 6:9)
Survival Challenge: The taskmasters in Egypt refused to give essentials for work, but demanded the same quota of work as they did when raw materials were supplied. (Exodus 5:13) The descendants of Jacob as slaves in Egypt had to work for survival.
Self-exploitation: Others overwhelm themselves by fixing unattainable targets and destroying their health, relationships, and even the future.
Voluntary sacrifice: Paul writes that he speaks like a madman to bring to focus his hardships for the Lord, the gospel, and His Kingdom. It included external threats, a hostile environment, and his voluntary hardships. That included hunger, thirst, cold, exposure, toil, hardship, sleeplessness, and anxiety about the welfare of churches. (II Corinthians 11: 21-29)
God’s provision: The Sabbath Day Rest is God’s plan for a healthy balanced life with weekly rest and renewal. This discipline is an antidote to futile toil and spiritual renewal. Yet, for the Kingdom of God, like Paul, some are called to do greater service.
Do I choose hustle culture or biblical culture?