The fourth commandment is “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”  Wow, what does that means by today’s standards?  In the Old Testament there was a whole list of things that couldn’t to done on the Sabbath.  The Jewish Sabbath was on Saturday and no work could be done, not even cooking.   I would be in quite a pickle if I couldn’t do any work on Saturday.

Christians traditionally observe the Sabbath on Sunday, since that is the day they believe Jesus rose from the dead after His crucifixion.  So what is it we can and cannot do on Sunday?  I remember when all the stores were closed on Sunday and we spent the day relaxing or visiting relatives.  That was nice, But today,  I even have parents who drag their children out of Sunday School to go to soccer           practice.  This may not be a problem for some and it depends on one’s personal convictions.

Farmers work in the fields, people go shopping, go to sporting events, and work from dawn to dusk in the yards.  How is that keeping the Sabbath holy?  I believe there needs to be a balance with this principle, as with all things in our lives.  Picking flowers for the neighbor on a Sunday afternoon is not a violation of the Sabbath, it’s ministry to a shut in.

I believe we should attend church on Sundays to enjoy fellowship and joint worship; to hear the Word preached and be encouraged by other Christians.  We drive 45 minutes each way to church.  That doesn’t bother me because if it takes all day to God’s bidding, so be it.  The Sabbath is His.  If I have time for an afternoon nap, great…I am resting.  If I sip an ice tea by the pool and swim a little, I am relaxing.

Who can tell you where the line is? Where we stop honoring the Sabbath? I believe only you and God can work that out.  It’s your relationship with Him.  I will not be your judge in this matter.  It is nearly impossible to apply Old Testament rules to our 21st century lifestyles.  As long as we keep Jesus first every day of our lives, I think we won’t have to worry much about keeping the Sabbath holy.