Balance

You know what really bothers me?
When companies--especially Christian companies--treat their employees like slaves. Sometimes not directly, but there is tremendous pressure to be available 24/7, and it can be difficult to take a vacation.
I'm sorry, but NO ONE should have to live like that.
If you choose to? Sure. It's dumb, but go for it, if that's what you want.
But no one should HAVE to live like that in order to keep--or be respected at--a certain job. That's just wrong.
Work-life balance is incredibly important. People need time to sleep, to relax, to play. Time for relationships. Time to get alone with God.

What started this rant is I'm talking to a friend who's working for a well-known Christian organization in Asia. She mentioned that recently she's been working from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on average every weekday, AND has only had one weekend off this month. Sundays included.

The question is: Why?
God didn't make us to work 7 days a week; He designed us to have one day a week to rest.
What is the mindset that drives us to work ourselves to death like this?
Or, worse, to push others to do the same?

Especially if the spiritual guilt trip gets factored into it.
"Well, ministry isn't a 9 to 5 job!"
"If we really love Jesus, we'll give up everything for Him!"

Uhh, do you remember Jesus is the one who said, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you REST. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Something along those lines.

Quite a contrast, isn't it?