For the next four weeks in preparation for the weekly Sabbath, usually Sunday for Christians, you are asked to take a challenge to truly “keep the Sabbath holy.” For 6 days, plan your week so that you don’t work for pay or go out to eat or go shopping on the Sabbath. This is in obedience to God’s 4th and longest Commandment, which states:
“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, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 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 20:8-11, NIV)
Note: If your routine work requires you to work on Sunday, like some waiters, cooks, police, hotel employees, hospital works, etc., pick one day each week that you are off to attempt this challenge. Make that day your personal Sabbath. If you go out of town on business or vacation, it is okay to pay for meals, hotel, etc. Paying for medical services is also okay, on any Sabbath.
In taking this challenge you should set aside some time to do something spiritual, which may include one or more of the following suggestions:
Pray during the day when it’s quiet, and you are alone
Pray specifically for a sick person that you know
Write down some items in your life that you are thankful for
Write down some items in your life that you want to change
Share some of these items with someone close to you
Pray out loud with your family
Discuss a religious topic during lunch or dinner at home
Think of someone that could use your help, and then go help them
Contact someone who you haven’t seen or talked to recently
Just imagine what your town would be like if everyone met this challenge one day every week all year long!
