Living a Holystic Life

Hustle Culture vs. God Culture

BY MELISSA KESSLER

The hustle culture has become a thing for so many of us. Society has made us believe that we won’t get anywhere if we’re not hustling. Have you felt this strain? For me, it’s taken years to renew my mind and realize that this sweet little life is not about the hustle. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2, NIV)

As a mom of two boys who are involved in sports and clubs and who enjoy hanging out with their friends; a wife to a husband who works different shifts from day-to-day; and a woman who is a business owner and serves in a multitude of ministries, the hustle is no stranger to me. Honestly, I used to brag about it with the full belief that being seen as a hustler was a badge of honor. But now, my attitude has changed drastically, but the transition wasn’t easy.

Are you under the influence of pursuing the hustle? Are you watching those who seem to be making it big and thinking you can do that too? Have you been told that you must work hard and hustle to find success? Maybe it’s even that Proverbs 31 woman who has you believing the hustle is the way it should be? She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. (Proverbs 31:17, NIV) Thanks to all of the above, I had the hustle mentality for so long. And then I started hearing God and allowing His will to infiltrate my life.

Each one of us is in a different place and season, and God’s will for each of us in every season is unique. If you are a mother of young children, running them to playdates and playing with them at the park may be where you’re meant to be right now – but it is important for you to build in time for yourself, even if that means reading a book while your children are playing. And if you’re a woman with school-aged children who do things independently, then maybe life looks like dropping them at a friend’s house or the mall, but after, perhaps you can take some time for yourself. Remember, whatever season you are in, God does not intend for you to do it all - as much as you may want to.

You may see women on social media or Pinterest who make it look like they do everything from running a million-dollar business to traveling the world, yet they still manage to raise babies. But everyone’s life is different, and we must be aware that the world can feed us lies and make us feel like we are not enough. I want to tell you that this is not the truth. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14, NIV) And I’m about to break some really big news to you. True success, joy, and happiness are found in doing what God is uniquely calling you to in your current season – it is not found in the hustle.

Hustle culture is not what success is about, not what happiness looks like, and is not where joy comes from. I speak from experience. I pursued the hustle culture for many years, believing it would bring me that joy I prayed for and never found it. So now I preach about God culture all day, every day. I believed the hustle culture would lead to joy and happiness, but oh, how wrong I was. I kept on running after the hustle, but it kept being thrown back in my face and getting me nowhere besides missing out on so much time being present with my kids and husband, and leading me to exhaustion that I didn’t even know was possible.

So what if you take this trip with me down the road of God culture? This is a place where you’ll actually find the joy and happiness you’ve been searching for. I had no idea what God would have for me, but I took the chance and went for it. Instead of believing I had to control my life, business, and actions, I gave up my control to Him. And how Jesus has taken the wheel is a story for another time. Stay tuned. When I finally realized I didn’t have to do it all or stress over everything in my life, I found true joy and happiness. And SURPRISE - it has nothing to do with success or even money. Instead, it has to do with slowing down and being attentive to God’s will - each season and every day.

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (Psalm 16:11, NLT)

Melissa is a wife and mom of two boys who are a huge inspiration in her life. She is a best-selling author, a Holistic Wellness + Hormone Educator, and helps women go from burnout to feeling ALIVE by UNhustling and balancing their hormones. She has a great passion for natural health, speaking truth, and living according to the Word of God while using her gift of faith. If you're ever looking for her, check the beach first. Learn more at melissajkessler.com