I recently studied the 10 Commandments and took notice of number four, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8) I have no problem not stealing or murdering, but I often disobey the fourth commandment. I’m sure you do too. It’s not one we hear a lot in the world today. However, it is no less important than any of the others, so I want to give you five practical ways to keep the sabbath in the 21st Century.
1. Rest and reset. The Sabbath, as God intended it, is to be a day of rest. You should observe the Sabbath on a day you don’t have to work, attend school, or anything similar. Do you ever start your week completely drained from the week before? I know I do. That’s because we don’t rest. I constantly have things going on and never have a day to relax. God gave us the gift rest, use it.
“For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:11
2. Put your phone away. I have a cell phone addiction. It’s like its an extension of my body. I’m constantly, texting, playing games, and scrolling through social media. We all are. It’s 2020. However, the world will not end if you don’t pick your phone up for a day, (at least that’s what I’m telling myself.) It is acceptable to wait a day to respond to that text or that Snap. So, leave your phone off the charger, give it to a parent or a family member, and remember, it can wait!
3. Intentionally plan for it. I’m used to having that seventh day of the week to get my stuff done. I treat it like an extra day to run errands or turn in assignments, but it doesn’t have to be. I can run errands after school or work any of the other six days of the week. If I manage my time better, I can easily get all my assignments done one day early. My discipleship groups can take place on another day. I just have to be intentional about getting everything done.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter.” Exodus 20:8-10
4. Spend time with your family. If I don’t have a lot to do, which I won’t if I’m observing the Sabbath correctly, I get bored easily. A great way to fill that time in a restful way is to spend it with family. I can watch movies and play games all day long! (I’m sure they wouldn’t mind either.)
5. Spend time with God. The most important reason for the Sabbath day is spending time with God. With a clear schedule, I have all the time in the world to reflect, pray, and study God’s Word. Sometimes, I fall behind on my Bible studies throughout the week because I get so busy. The Sabbath is a great time to catch back up and just enjoy time with my Savior.