Unforced Rhythms of Grace

Our world is constantly saying, “Hustle hustle hustle – hustle to prove your worth.” 

Find the next new house, car, toy. 

Find the next new job, degree, certification. Find the next new idea, thought, or cause.

Then make your every waking moment about achieving that thing. 

Build a brand around that thing. 

Now, there is nothing wrong with setting goals and working hard…but I’m talking about the spirit of the hustle. The hustle to push and to prove that you’re somebody. The hustle whose driving force is a quest to be found worthy of love. 

The spirit of the hustle is a threat to the formation of your soul. It always has been. Hustle is built on the lie that you are what you do, and you are what you have. Hustle has a way of drowning out the reality of limits. Hustle has a way of covering over our limitations and fooling us with the lie that says if you will just work harder and smarter you will be happy; you will finally be somebody.

A recent NPR article said, “As pandemic life recedes in the U.S., people are leaving their jobs in search of more money, more flexibility and more happiness…It’s leading to a dramatic increase in resignations — a record 4 million people quit their jobs in April alone.”

More money, more flexibility, and more happiness. These are not bad things….but I wonder if in some cases this is just the spirit of the hustle with some fresh lipstick on it. 

The invitation that God has made available to us in Christ is the spirit of rest. It is a place where your identity is received, not achieved. It is a place of grace. It is a place where you do not have to try so hard; a place without hustle. 

In Matthew 11:30, Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

May you learn the unforced rhythms of grace today.