Quiet quitting continues to gain steam. It’s estimated that half of the US workforce is participating in the act. Is quiet quitting a Biblical idea? Should Christians participate in it? Here’s a Quiet Quitting Guideline for Christians.
What is it?
It has nothing to do with quitting one’s job. This trend is not about being lazy or refusing to work. It goes deeper than that.
Quiet quitting is the act of doing one’s job and no more. Going “above and beyond” is a thing of the past. Laptops remain closed on the weekends. Voice mails are checked only during normally scheduled working hours. The goal is to do what’s expected and nothing more.
Should Christians participate in Quiet Quitting (QQ)?
Christians should cautiously participate in quiet quitting when it makes sense. Followers of Christ should be top performers. We’re working as to the Lord and not to man. Our identity is found in Christ. When our profession becomes our identity or our work becomes an all-consuming passion quiet quitting is an appropriate response. We will do it openly and honestly, though.
Proponents believe that employees are erecting much-needed personal boundaries.
Opponents believe that employees are lazy and disengaged.
Should Christians participate in QQ?
Quiet Quitting: A Guide For Christians
What Is It?
Essentially, employees are beginning to require more from their employers. What is required? An improved work, life balance.
The pendulum, so to speak, is shifting.
Employers have been known to expect the moon from their employees. Going above and beyond is often expected on a daily basis.
However, it’s usually a one-way street.
When a person is hired to work, expectations are generally shared. A job description is provided. Working hours are made clear.
Employees are paid at the end of the week. The cycle begins again the next week. Everyone is even Stevens.
Or are they?
Recently, employees have been pushing back on expectations. Expectations and requirements have often expanded.
In many instances employees are required to check and respond to emails in the evenings.
Weekend work is fully expected.
Overnight travel is normal.
Parents often miss their kids’ recitals, games, and other important events for the job.
Approximately two-thirds of the workforce is participating in QQ (teambuilding.com).
Work Should Be Enjoyable
Ecclesiastes 5:19 Furthermore, as for every person to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also given him the opportunity to enjoy them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.
The ability to rejoice in our labor is a gift from God. Somehow, we’ve disconnected work from God. Perhaps we’ve allowed our professions and careers to dethrone God in our hearts. If that’s the case, then QQ looks more and more attractive.
Guard Your Heart
Erecting proper boundaries at work is perfectly fine. Christians must have clearly defined boundaries.
God comes before our profession.
Family comes before our careers.
Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
Guarding our hearts is our responsibility. Most employers will push employees as far as they are allowed. Properly established boundaries help us determine when we’ve reached our limits.
Christians can tell their bosses “No” while remaining true to Romans 13.
Quiet Quitting Biblically
Christians should be rated highly at their place of employment. God grants us wisdom that can be used even in mundane matters. The Proverbs encourage diligence. Managers and company leaders should notice our diligence.
However, we’re not doormats.
Do your job with excellence. Give 100% every time you show up. Dig into the Proverbs.
Here’s an article that I wrote about Biblical Wisdom. Wisdom is the principal thing!
There will be seasons of sacrifice. A short-term project requiring some weekend or evening work is understandable.
If that becomes the norm then it could be time to push back.
Establish spiritual, familial, emotional, and physical boundaries. Honor your boundaries.
Playing catch with your kid should be a high priority.
Creating family memories while on vacation is important.
Worshiping on Sundays is vital.
We should not give our work the best of us and our family and God the leftovers.
Quiet Quitting For Me
I was the person who took his laptop and work phone on vacation. In the evenings I checked emails. Calls with colleagues in Hong Kong and New Zealand happened at 8 pm on Tuesday and 7 pm on Sunday.
The hard truth is that I really don’t matter that much. That truth had to sink into my heart.
I was replaceable.
What did I do? I established firm boundaries. This is actually a form of quiet quitting.
I no longer open my laptop on weekends or in the evenings.
When I’m on vacation it’s legitimate.
Christians should work the hardest and the smartest. That doesn’t mean that we have to work the longest, though.
While you’re working, work. Focus on the job at hand. Allow the wisdom of God to teach you new ways to accomplish things.
Be the best on the job.
Give 100% — at all times.
We can “quiet quit” and still honor God with our efforts. They are not mutually exclusive concepts.
Take some time and ensure that God is #1 in your life.
If you’re in need of boundaries speak with your manager. Explain things to them.
If you’re consistently giving 120% and being paid 1oo% something is out of kilter. They would never expect to get a shipment of supplies at 120% and pay 100%.
Why is labor any different?
God Expects Fair Wages
This is not about being lazy. I will leave you with a couple of verses for your consideration.
James 5:4-5 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.
Proverbs 11:1 Dishonest scales are detestable to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight.