“Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.”  

Most of us recognize that phrase as the fourth Commandment. (See Exodus 20:8-10.)  The law, as given to Israel, required a strict observance of the Sabbath. You couldn't cook, you could only walk so far, and you couldn't do any work unless it was an emergency.

In the church’s new-found freedom in Christ, we throw out a lot of the strict interpretations of Jewish law. Sunday has become a day we go to church (maybe), spend time with our families and enjoy some kind of entertainment. It’s a day to “relax”—or rather, to recreate. For a lot of us, Sunday is anything but a day of rest.  Monday is a tough day mostly because we are so tired from Sunday.

The world takes more and more of our Sabbath away, encroaching more and more on the day meant for worship, reflection and rest. Since when do schools feel it is okay to leave for field trips on Sunday?

The worst of it is that we—believers—have allowed this, and it is slowly taking its toll on us, our families —even the witness of our church.

In my own walk, I am rediscovering the need and purpose of the Sabbath. What about you? Do you keep the Sabbath holy?  Is it important to you? Why or why not?