At Work and At Rest: Balancing Diligence with Disability

“Your funds have been deposited.” The notification chimes on my phone, and I quickly scroll to my banking app to verify. Yes, my disability income has arrived. I’m awash with relief, and I give thanks that I can pay rent this month. Yet, amid my gratitude, another voice speaks, twisting a guilty knot in my stomach.

“You didn’t earn this. You’re entitled, a complete failure.” It’s a voice I’ve grown weary of battling, an echo of a culture that equates productivity with personal value — a narrative that I, as a Christian with a disability, constantly wrestle.

In a culture that prizes productivity above all else, people living with disabilities are often excluded — labeled as incompetent, entitled, or lazy for not meeting the output expected of an able-bodied person. The bid to secure employment is a dismal prospect for many, fraught with physical inaccessibility and attitudinal discrimination. However, this perspective fails to account for the benefits and diversity within the disability community. It is contrary to the truths of our innate worth as revealed by God in Scripture. The book of Proverbs offers timeless wisdom about diligence, rest, and avoiding laziness — principles that remain relevant, particularly for those navigating the complexities of living with disabilities.

Before addressing this appropriately, we must first define key terms. Unlike rest, which is modeled by God at creation and commanded in Scripture in the observance of the Sabbath as essential for a balanced life, laziness is characterized by an unwillingness to work or put in effort. On the other hand, diligence is a reflection of the heart, demonstrating an attitude of determination and purpose through careful and persistent work or effort. Scripture, particularly the book of Proverbs, teaches that no one should be lazy and to practice diligence as part of the call of the Christian life.

For people with disabilities, this can be a tough balance to strike. With conditions that can inhibit us from meeting culture’s excessively high standards of practical contribution, how can we practice diligence with our God-given time, resources, and abilities while heeding the biblical command to avoid laziness?

The doctrine of imago Dei, meaning “image of God,” forms the foundation of Christian identity, rooting us in the knowledge that every human being is made in God’s likeness (Genesis 1:27). While culture espouses a gospel of works — who we are is equal to what we can produce — God showers us with grace. By His grace alone we are saved, not through works or cultural significance (Ephesians 2:8-9). And it is in Him alone that we have eternal, unconditional value.

This framework helps us to understand the passages presented in Proverbs as encouragement to pursue diligence rather than demeaning those who cannot work. Proverbs 14:23 (ESV) teaches, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Fulfilling work that produces fruit differs for each person; diligence takes forms beyond manual labor that are equally important, such as advocacy, creative pursuits, and building relationships. Disability advocates have often been the instruments of significant and necessary changes in society, bringing about policies for greater access and awareness. Music, poetry, and other artistic expressions move hearts and inspire in ways that words alone cannot. And, as the foundation of godly, healthful lives, relationships require time, energy, and devotion to thrive. In pursuing non-traditional forms of work as life-giving alternatives, we can take comfort in this proverb: “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).

Recent decades have witnessed the rapid growth of technology, many advancements of which have significantly expanded opportunities for contribution and participation in society, especially for people with disabilities. Assistive technologies and improvements in medical treatments have enhanced the ability of disabled individuals to live independently and engage with their communities. Digital spaces have been transformed, allowing people to access an abundance of information, communicate with and maintain relationships around the globe, and stay up to date on current events. However, as with any innovation, Christians must remain vigilant to ensure technology serves its intended purpose: to assist, not dominate. While these advancements have opened unprecedented opportunities for connection, we must be mindful to heed the proverbist’s warning: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Thus, we strive to prevent overindulgence and maintain a healthy outlook.

The ease and simplicity of modern technology can tempt us to use it as a replacement for manual labor. While it often provides the most efficient solution, there are times when we rely on it to avoid tasks we find inconvenient or challenging. Over time, this reliance can deepen into complacency, leaving us ill-prepared to handle tasks independently. This attachment to and dependence on technology can subtly drift into laziness if not balanced with discernment and discipline. Like any tool, technology must be utilized purposefully, ensuring it’s used as a help rather than a hindrance.

Balancing diligence and the desire to contribute is a challenge disabled people face in different ways. I need more sleep than is typical, which has sometimes devolved into using sleep to avoid uncomfortable emotions or situations. While rest is essential and commanded in Scripture, using sleep as an escape comes perilously close to laziness. It is a temptation on which I must keep a careful watch. Proverbs 20:13 (ESV) warns, “Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.” Sleep itself is not a sin; even so, my misuse of this gift from God must be refocused on restoring my strength to continue serving Him rather than escaping the challenges He calls me to face with faithfulness and diligence.

Forging a path toward meaningful labor is a process that requires patience, perseverance, and prayer. The obstacles people with disabilities encounter can feel overwhelming and impossible to overcome. As a freelance writer, I’ve experienced the barriers and blessings the Lord brings as I hone my craft; as I research opportunities, build my skill, and seek the Lord’s wisdom with each project, I am learning to trust in His timing and provision and embrace the challenges which refine me into the writer I pray He will use for His glory. In the small and seemingly insignificant tasks, diligence and faith are nurtured with prayerful practice and developed into a steady commitment that enables me to pursue the most daunting challenges.

As demanding as it is to practice diligence while navigating the physical, mental, and emotional struggles that often accompany disability, it is vital to submit our needs, desires, and abilities to God by seeking His guidance on how we can use the resources and talents He has entrusted to us. When we surrender our efforts to Him, we can find purpose in our work, trusting that He will direct us in using our abilities to serve Him faithfully and meaningfully.



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