There was a time when Christians - and even non-Christians - showed respect for the Lord's Day. Sunday trading was unheard of, and only those persons that provided essential services (police officers, nurses, etc) worked on Sunday. Things have changed and those that still choose to keep the Lord's Day holy (separate) are in the minority.
In our home, our sons have been taught that Sunday is to be honoured as the Lord's Day. It is not a day for paid employment, for finishing homework or assignments, for catching up on jobs that should've been done throughout the week, or for playing sport. Since many of their friends see nothing wrong with doing any of these things, our sons have been considered old-fashioned or been pitied for having over-strict parents. However, to my knowledge, not one of them has ever rebelled against this practice and has even upheld it when pressured by employers or coaches to work or play on Sunday.
Why have a day that's set apart? Simply because the Bible tells us to. One of the Ten Commandments is to 'keep the sabbath holy'. It's God's idea; not ours. Furthermore, research has shown that it's not good for humans to work seven days a week without a break. Having a 'sabbath rest' is not only good for us spiritually, but also physically.
Does this mean Sundays are spent looking solemn and reading nothing but our Bibles? Not at all. After worshipping together in the morning, our Sunday afternoons are often given to family. We might visit DH's mother or other family members, or go for a walk together, or have a picnic, or go for a drive in the country, or just enjoy being at home with nothing planned. It's a break from our usual routines and something that we all look forward to.
In recent months the Lord has challenged me about my practice of calling in at the grocery store on the way home from church to pick up food items for lunch (our midday meal). I'm now trying to get more organised on Saturday to ensure this doesn't happen. I can remember my grandmother saying that Saturday should be a day of preparation for Sunday. Perhaps there's a lesson to be learnt from past generations.
And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we should not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day ... And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day (Nehemiah 10v31 & 13v22, KJV).
In our home, our sons have been taught that Sunday is to be honoured as the Lord's Day. It is not a day for paid employment, for finishing homework or assignments, for catching up on jobs that should've been done throughout the week, or for playing sport. Since many of their friends see nothing wrong with doing any of these things, our sons have been considered old-fashioned or been pitied for having over-strict parents. However, to my knowledge, not one of them has ever rebelled against this practice and has even upheld it when pressured by employers or coaches to work or play on Sunday.
Why have a day that's set apart? Simply because the Bible tells us to. One of the Ten Commandments is to 'keep the sabbath holy'. It's God's idea; not ours. Furthermore, research has shown that it's not good for humans to work seven days a week without a break. Having a 'sabbath rest' is not only good for us spiritually, but also physically.
Does this mean Sundays are spent looking solemn and reading nothing but our Bibles? Not at all. After worshipping together in the morning, our Sunday afternoons are often given to family. We might visit DH's mother or other family members, or go for a walk together, or have a picnic, or go for a drive in the country, or just enjoy being at home with nothing planned. It's a break from our usual routines and something that we all look forward to.
In recent months the Lord has challenged me about my practice of calling in at the grocery store on the way home from church to pick up food items for lunch (our midday meal). I'm now trying to get more organised on Saturday to ensure this doesn't happen. I can remember my grandmother saying that Saturday should be a day of preparation for Sunday. Perhaps there's a lesson to be learnt from past generations.
And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we should not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day ... And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day (Nehemiah 10v31 & 13v22, KJV).
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