In Genesis the Bible tells us that on the seventh day God rested. Old Testament law required rest on the Sabbath with specific instruction on what type of work was allowed or how far someone could travel. With good reason, God's people worked hard the other six. Anyone who is familiar with life on the farm can appreciate the difficulty of this type of life style and the need to rest.
Today - God's people seem to have forgotten the principle and importance of rest. Often on Monday morning one hears stories about running around to various childrens' sporting events, running errands, cleaning the house, attending church for those who do and then it's Sunday evening and time to prepare for work the next morning.
When did they rest? They are as tired on Monday morning as they were on Friday evening.
However, there is a growing movement back toward a day of rest. Some take Saturday off, others Sunday. Many sign off their computer for one day or two. They don't allow their children to play computer/video games. They plan family activities or maybe indulge in hobbies or watch movies, there are those who don't even allow latter, take walks, read, or whatever they need to do in order to relax and 'rest'.
This is a life style change. The difference it makes in the productivity and attitude of those who practice a day of rest is astounding. Is it easy? No. In this culture people are very used to 'doing' all the time and constantly being 'connected' and knowing what is going on in their friends and family's lives or the current football score or whatever.
However, if God rested on the seventh day and had it included in the law, how can we, as modern day Christians, disregard a basic principle that is for our good?
No comments:
Post a Comment