"Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy," (Exodus 20:8) is the fourth commandment given by God to Moses at Mt. Sinai. In our culture, Sunday is usually referred to as the Sabbath Day. Sometimes we think of it as a day of rest, but more often than not, we use it as a day to catch up on chores or work or errands before the work week begins again, with possibly church and some leisure activities squeezed in. Yet, we are commanded to keep it holy, but how?
The best way to keep the Sabbath Day holy is to live as Jesus did. Jesus used the Sabbath to worship God and do good unto others. He avoided secular chores so he had time to serve God. For Jesus, worship and fellowship were his first priority on the Sabbath.
The greater principle found in this verse is that we are to honor God with our time. All our time is his, and we are to use it for him. We are to make all the minutes of our lives count for God, particularly those of the Sabbath Day.
We can accomplish this by learning to balance our work, worship, chores, rest, activities, and obligations. In doing so, we will become better masters of our time and more effectively use our time to serve God.
Comments
Taylor: Thank you for reminding us of these commandments. They and the truth they stand for seems to be vanishing from the public forum. I have always had them posted in my home in a frame so that my children would always be exposed to them. I can remember when stores and businesses were always closed on Sunday and half a day on Wednesday - those were such wonderful times. I remember a service station that had a huge sign out front which said, "Buy your gas on Saturday and go to church on Sunday." I am trying to bring back some of that "good ole stuff" in my little Sunday Meetin' Time series on Sunday evenings. I am old enough to be able to compare then and now. I would prefer then. Less material things - more love and faith. Please continue to share God's message. Patricia Walston Atlanta Faith and Family Examiner.
Thanks again for a well written article. I too agree we need to reminded of these commandments.
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