We live in a time of privileges and contrasts. Our society is more and more populated, yet more people than ever suffer from isolation and loneliness. Today, people can circle the globe quickly in airplanes, but they can be insensitive to the needs of the people closest to them. With telephones, fax machines, and the Internet, people can communicate with anyone anywhere in the world, yet sometimes they cannot communicate with those under their own roof. People seek peace and calm somewhere far from agitation, yet they cannot overcome anxiety and preoccupation. People can obtain lots of information and solve many problems, yet they are unable to resolve their personal and family troubles. Human beings have explored the complexities of our solar system and the immensity of the universe, yet they have forgotten the One who created it. It is obvious that knowledge, fame, and possessions cannot overcome emotional frustration, physical decadence, and spiritual emptiness.
I. IN A WORLD OF PRIVILEGES AND CONTRASTS, WE BELIEVE THAT:
A. The recovery of key biblical teachings, such as the observance of the Sabbath, may help humanity find solutions to their serious problems.
B. A correct observance of the Sabbath will help people overcome loneliness as they start to experience Christian friendship and the peace that they seek. God gave the Sabbath to us as a gift, a blessing, a time to draw close to Him; it was His plan that our happiest moments and hours would happen on the Sabbath.
II. AS CHRISTIANS, WE SERVE GOD EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK; HOWEVER, THE SERVICE WE RENDER TO GOD ON SABBATH IS DIFFERENT FROM OUR SERVICE TO HIM DURING THE REST OF THE WEEK.
During the week, we serve God while fulfilling our responsibilities to our employer, family, church, and community. Our two-fold responsibilities are exemplified by two sisters in the Bible: Mary and Martha. Martha exemplifies the Christian’s life during the week; she has God, her work, and daily concerns on her mind. Mary exemplifies the Christian’s life on Sabbath; Christ is the absolute center of her attention, and all worries and personal interests are left behind as she sits at His feet. It should be thus as we spend time with Him on the Sabbath.
III. WHAT SHOULD THE SABBATH MEAN IN OUR LIVES?
A. Celebration. It is a time when Christians celebrate God’s creative power and His unconditional love for His creatures. This celebration is expressed communally in the worship service. During the weekly worship service, we celebrate our Creator and Savior. We celebrate the manifestations of His care and love in our lives. This celebration should be a symbol of happiness, gratitude, and service.
B. Rest. The fourth commandment is a call to rest. It should not be seen as a long holiday; it goes beyond a physical and mental rest from the week. The center of Sabbath rest is not in men but in God. God wants us to recognize His sovereignty over our time and life. Sabbath puts a limit on our tendency to deify our work and reminds us that God is the Lord of all.
C. Revelation. On Sabbath, God promises to manifest Himself to all Sabbathkeepers in a special way and with a special blessing. Such a revelation can only be understood when we set this day apart for its sacred purpose.
D. Worship. In Revelation 14:7 we are called to “worship him who made heaven and earth.” Sabbath is an encounter of the Creator with the creature. Every time we worship God on Sabbath, we honor Him as the Creator.
E. Reflection. Sabbath is an invitation to reflect, a time when we can rethink life’s values and priorities. Today, transcendental meditation is in vogue, but Sabbath is an invitation to spiritual introspection (silence of the soul).
F. Meditation. Sabbath is an invitation to meditation, not upon an abstract being but on a real being: the true God. The sabbatical meditation is not an escape from the present reality; rather, it is a way to introduce God’s presence into it.
G. Renewal. Sabbath is a time to recharge our physical, emotional, and spiritual batteries. The pressures of modern life have taken from us the balance between material and spiritual things. One of the purposes of the Sabbath is to restore that balance.
H. Love. For some, Sabbath is a day for personal sanctification; however, many forget that this day also has a humanitarian function; a time to share and do good deeds. Sabbath is an ideal day to share the blessings of salvation. It is a proper day to show compassion and love in a special way.
I. Family. Activities of the week— school, work, and other responsibilities—pull the family in many directions. The rush of life may deprive us of time with our children and spouse and prevent us from enjoying the quietness of our home. Sabbath unites the family and gives time for fellowship free from weekday obligations. Picture the family united on Friday night and having sunset worship (without television). Imagine everyone going to church together, having lunch together, walking together, and spending time together. A miracle? No, it’s Sabbath!
IV. THEINSTITUTIONSOF SABBATH AND FAMILY WERE ESTABLISHED IN EDEN TO BE A BLESSING TO HUMANITY.
Sabbath should not be a legalist imposition on our lives; it should be a celebration of joy and happiness. It should not be a burden or a day regulated by rules and lists of things we shouldn’t do. Sabbath should be a happy day.
With wisdom, parents may make Sabbath the happiest day of the week for their children. For troubled families, Sabbath is an opportunity to renew their vows of love and fidelity and to heal wounded relationships. Sabbath teaches us that our covenants with God and our spouse are sacred.
CONCLUSION
When God established the Sabbath, He did it so we could be happier. If we are not making good use of this blessing today, let us stop and examine our lives and priorities. Sabbath was given to us as a special gift, a gift not to be forgotten but to be remembered and loved. How are you keeping this day? Is there something that could be changed to make Sabbath a happier, more meaningful day?
The Sabbath is special, a day to spend time with special people (whether family, church members, the lonely, or the needy) and with our heavenly Father.
General Conference Ministerial Association
