811 words, 4 minutes read time.
Most men aren’t strangers to long hours, high pressure, and the relentless pursuit of success. It’s wired into many of us: to provide, achieve, build, and prove ourselves. But somewhere along the way, that drive can go off course. The job becomes the identity. The to-do list outranks family, rest, and even time with God. The grind becomes the god.
This devotional speaks directly to that drift—the subtle way good ambition can morph into misplaced priorities. For many men, work isn’t the enemy. But work without purpose, without boundaries, and without God can rob a man of everything that matters most.
Scripture
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
—Psalm 127:1 (ESV)
Reflection/Teaching
Psalm 127 draws a clear line between effort and surrender. It doesn’t say “don’t build”—it says don’t build without the Lord. In other words, even the hardest-working man can exhaust himself chasing goals that God never asked him to pursue.
Workaholism is often hidden behind a noble façade: providing for the family, building a legacy, being a “hard worker.” Those are good things. But when they become ultimate things—defining a man’s identity, worth, or status—they drift into idolatry. Scripture is full of warnings about misplaced pursuits: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
Many men find themselves pulled in every direction—meetings, emails, deadlines, side hustles—while their marriage withers, their kids feel ignored, and their time with God is an afterthought. And the painful irony? Many of them are doing it for those same people they’re neglecting.
Jesus modeled something better. He was busy but never hurried. He worked, healed, taught, and led with purpose—but He also walked away from crowds, took time alone with the Father, and honored the rhythm of rest. If the Son of God didn’t fill every moment with hustle, then no man today needs to.
Application
This is a call to recalibrate. Men don’t need to stop working—they need to start working on the right things, with the right heart. That starts by evaluating the real cost of constant hustle. Is your ambition aligned with your calling, or has work become a substitute for it?
Practical steps might include establishing weekly Sabbath rhythms, setting clear work boundaries, scheduling undistracted time with family, and committing daily time with God. Rest isn’t weakness—it’s a declaration that God, not man, holds everything together.
For some men, this will mean saying no more often. For others, it might mean asking deeper questions: Who am I if I’m not achieving? What am I afraid of losing if I slow down? These aren’t easy questions—but they’re necessary for any man who wants to live with eternal priorities, not just earthly productivity.
Prayer
Father, help men recognize when their work has taken a place in their hearts that belongs only to You. Give wisdom to discern when to push forward and when to pull back. Restore balance, clarity, and peace. Teach men to build their lives not just on effort, but on obedience. Help every man reading this walk in Your pace, with Your purpose, for Your glory. Amen.
Closing Thoughts / Call to Action
Men: your strength isn’t found in how much you carry, but in who you trust to carry it with you. Don’t trade what matters most for what fades fastest. Build with God, rest with intention, and lead with humility.
If this spoke to you, leave a comment below or share with a brother who needs this word. Subscribe to the newsletter for more straight talk and biblical encouragement for men navigating faith, work, and real-life pressure.
Lead well. Work hard. Rest deeper.
Sources
- The Cure for Workaholism? Feasting! (Theology of Work)
- Antidote to Workaholism (Theology of Work)
- The Myth of Work‑Life Balance (Theology of Work)
- The Myth of Work‑Life Balance (Faith + Work LA)
- What the Bible Says About Work/Life Balance (Relevant Magazine)
- How Can Christians Achieve Healthy Work‑Life Balance? (CrossTalk)
- Navigating Work and Life Balance: A Christian Perspective (Mighty Oaks Foundation)
- Finding Work‑Life Balance as a Christian Entrepreneur (Salt & Grace Creative)
- Debunking the ‘Work‑Life Balance’ Myth (The Gospel Coalition)
- Workaholism – Beeline to Burnout (Women of Faith)
- Why Pastors Seem to Have Poor Work/Life Balance (Reddit)
- How to Stop Idolizing Work? (Reddit discussion)
- Difficult to Be a Christian at Work (Reddit discussion)
- Dealing with Work‑Related Burnout (Reddit discussion)
- Balancing Grace and Effort in Christian Walk (Reddit discussion)
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.