Workaholism is a pattern of behavior characterized by an inner compulsion to work excessively hard and an inability to detach oneself from work. Workaholics feel a constant need to stay busy and often neglect other important areas of life like family, friends, and even their health. They have an obsession with working that results in stress and burnout. While hard work itself is not wrong according to the Bible, workaholism crosses the line into idolatry when work becomes the main source of identity, meaning, and fulfillment in someone’s life rather than God.
The Bible has a lot to say about the proper role and purpose of work. Here are some key principles from Scripture related to workaholism:
1. Our work should be for God’s glory, not our own
Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” We are called to work diligently and with excellence, but not merely to please our earthly bosses or gain recognition. Our work should ultimately point to the greatness of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 also tells us: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Even mundane day-to-day tasks can and should be opportunities to glorify God.
2. God desires balance and rest, not burnout
Exodus 20:8-10 instructs God’s people to set aside the Sabbath day for rest and renewal: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God.” This command still applies today as a call to balance – we need time off to recharge physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
In the New Testament, Jesus himself models rest amid busy ministry: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35) If even Jesus made time for quiet and solitude, how much more do we need it!
3. Work is not meant to fulfill us
Many workaholics pour themselves into work because they crave the success, identity, and sense of purpose it seems to provide. But only God can truly fulfill our longings for purpose.
Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 describes King Solomon embarking on great (and excessive) projects of work and accomplishment, yet concluding that it was all “striving after wind.” He found no lasting meaning or satisfaction in work itself.
Psalm 16:11 says: “You (God) make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” According to Scripture, real joy and fulfillment come from relationship with God, not our jobs.
4. We need balance across spheres of life
While the Bible supports diligent work and effort, it also presents a holistic vision for life with time apportioned across family, friends, worship, rest, service to others, etc. Workaholism often robs time from these other vital areas.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 reminds us there are seasons for all different pursuits under heaven: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…” Work is important, but not to the exclusion of all else.
Likewise, 1 Timothy 5:8 warns: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Excessive work to the detriment of family is unwise.
5. Wealth and possessions should not rule us
One reason people overwork is to achieve greater financial gain and material possessions. Yet the Bible consistently warns against letting greed for money and things control us.
Hebrews 13:5 instructs: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Our security comes from God, not wealth.
Matthew 6:24 also states: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Workaholism is often driven by serving money rather than God.
6. God cares deeply about our wellbeing
The Bible makes clear that our lives and health matter deeply to God. Workaholism often leads to chronic stress, lack of sleep, and other physical and mental health problems. But God wants us to flourish and live abundantly.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Overworking in a way that destroys our health dishonors God.
In John 10:10, Jesus declares: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” God wants us to experience his best for us – which includes caring for ourselves and resting well.
7. We are called to freedom, not slavery
Galatians 5:1 proclaims: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Workaholism leads to unhealthy dependence on work for meaning and enslavement to constantly proving oneself.
Colossians 2:20-23 also warns against false humility and rigid self-denial that does not value rest and care for the body. Our worth comes from Jesus, not unreasonable duty. So we can work hard while also embracing freedom in Him.
8. God rewards faithfulness, not just results
Workaholics often feel excessive pressure to perform and achieve. But God sees and cares as much about our heart motivation and faithfulness as the visible results.
Colossians 3:23 encourages: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” God values the devotion behind our work more than accolades or recognition from others.
Furthermore, our salvation comes by grace, not accomplishment. Ephesians 2:8-9 proclaims: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” We can rest secure in God’s love.
9. Loving others trumps self-centered ambition
One symptom of workaholism is becoming increasingly self-absorbed and disconnected from caring for others. But the Bible elevates love as most important.
Mark 12:30-31 states: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Career success means little without love.
Even when working hard, we should emulate Jesus in making time for people in need. The business of work and achievement will fade, but investing in others and God’s Kingdom will echo in eternity.
10. True satisfaction comes from fearing God
Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes the whole duty of man simply: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” A right relationship with God is meant to be the foundation and priority of life – guiding how we approach work too.
Psalm 16:11 again connects this back to joy: “in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” According to the Bible, fearing God leads to life’s deepest contentment.
When we stay anchored in God’s truth and ways, we can build lives of purpose without falling into the destructive trap of workaholism. With the Spirit’s help, we can learn to work heartily yet also rest well – for God’s glory and others’ good.
