Spiritual DisciplinesSample

Sabbath

When I was growing up in the 1970s, there was a clearly defined day of rest in society, and that day was Sunday. Shops weren’t open; cinemas weren’t open. Sport was played at the top grades, but mostly people were out visiting friends and family for a Sunday lunch, mostly after church.

Were these the "good ol’ days?" Life has changed over the last few decades with many more things to do, be involved with, places to go, experiences to have and enjoy. Shopping seven days a week and all sorts of sport and other activities are available across the weekend. Many of us work across seven days and, with flexible working conditions, a day of rest could be any day of the week. In fact the notion of a day of rest seems an anachronism in our busy lives!

The Sabbath is clearly a time to focus on God, deliberately turning our hearts and minds to Him. Many of us go to church to do that, but attending church may not be a salve for a Sabbath. So what to do? Is there a simple answer? Is there a process or something I need to do, say, or show that I have fulfilled my Sabbath requirements? I don’t think so, sorry. The Sabbath is a gift from God (Mark 2:27), so we should be thankful and use specific time to honor and acknowledge Him as Lord. Don’t give God the leftovers. Take deliberate time to stop and reflect on Him, what He has done and does for us.

Written by DAVID BARKER