Hustle culture: the not-so-subtle flex of working yourself to the bone while posting about it on social media. It’s the glorification of the “rise and grind” mindset, where sleep is for the weak, and every waking hour should be spent chasing the elusive dream of success—preferably with an overpriced coffee in hand. From influencers to corporate warriors, the hustle hype has turned work into a never-ending marathon where the finish line keeps moving.
But let’s be real—hustle culture is kind of a scam. Sure, working hard has its perks, but when the grind starts grinding you down, it’s time to rethink the game plan. Burnout, anxiety, and the constant feeling that you’re not doing enough are just a few of the delightful side effects of this productivity obsession. Thankfully, there’s a growing movement pushing back against the hustle mantra, and surprise, surprise—it’s been in the Bible all along.
Hustle Culture: A Brief History of Doing Too Much
The hustle isn’t a new phenomenon. It’s been around for ages, dressed up in different outfits but always pushing the same message: work hard, and you’ll get ahead. But now, with social media amplifying every “crushing it” moment, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap and feel like you’re lagging behind.
According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress from overworking can lead to some not-so-fun outcomes like heart disease, depression, and anxiety. It’s almost like constantly working at full throttle might not be great for your health—who knew? As more people start feeling the weight of hustle culture, there’s a shift happening. And for Christians, it’s more than just a backlash; it’s a return to a timeless principle: rest.
A Biblical Call to Chill Out
Rest isn’t just a suggestion in the Bible; it’s kind of a big deal. Right from the start, God sets the tone in Genesis by taking a day off after creating the universe. If the Almighty can take a break, maybe we should too. Fast forward to the Ten Commandments, and there’s a whole directive about keeping the Sabbath—a day dedicated to rest and worship.
John Mark Comer, pastor and author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, has a lot to say about our addiction to busyness. He puts it perfectly: “What you give your attention to is the person you become. Put another way: the mind is the portal to the soul, and what you fill your mind with will shape the trajectory of your character. In the end, your life is no more than the sum of what you gave your attention to.”
While hustle culture tells us that our worth is all about how much we get done, the idea of a “holy hustle” flips the script. A holy hustle isn’t about slacking off but finding balance. It’s about doing your work with excellence, but also knowing when to shut the laptop, put down the phone, and take a breather. Crystal Stine, author of Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life, explains that “we don’t need to do it all — we just need to do all of what God is giving us in this season.”
Stine’s message resonates with the need to shift our work ethic from one that’s about proving our worth to one that honors God by including rest. Andy Crouch, author of The Tech-Wise Family, echoes this sentiment: “We are continually being nudged by our devices toward a set of choices. The question is whether those choices are leading us to the life we actually want. I want a life of conversation and friendship, not distraction and entertainment; but every day, many times a day, I’m nudged in the wrong direction. One key part of the art of living faithfully with technology is setting up better nudges for ourselves.”
How to Make the Shift
So, how do we move from burnout to balance? It’s all about being intentional. Here are some tips to help you make the switch:
1. Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no. Guard your time by setting clear work hours and actually sticking to them. No more checking emails at midnight—your inbox will be there in the morning.
2. Prioritize Sabbath: Remember that day off thing? Make it a weekly ritual. Use it to rest, recharge, and do things that bring you joy. It’s not just a day off; it’s a soul reset.
3. Be Present: Multitasking is overrated. Whether you’re working, resting, or hanging out with friends, be fully there. It’s amazing what happens when you’re not trying to do three things at once.
4. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly check in with yourself. Is your schedule in line with your values? Are you feeling drained or energized? Adjust as needed to keep that balance in check.
A New Kind of Success
Pushing back against hustle culture and embracing a holy hustle isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about finding a deeper, more fulfilling way to live. By aligning our work with God’s design and giving ourselves permission to rest, we can chase our goals without losing sight of what really matters. So next time you feel the pressure to hustle harder, remember: sometimes the most productive thing you can do is take a break.
