What seems like an age-old debate is whether or not Christians should work on Sunday. It would seem that doing so is in direct violation of the fourth commandment of “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8).
While I cannot even begin to present a sound theological argument one way or the other, I will point out that I find it acceptable to work on Sunday – SO LONG as you remember the intent of the sabbath.
We’ll get to that in a moment. For now, let’s start with Edwards’ resolution and then we shall explore the design, its purpose, and the results of keeping it as intended.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 38
When it comes to the Sabbath, there is a lot of debate. That debate questions of Christians should work on Sundays or not. While it’s important to be mindful of the intent of the Sabbath and who it is for, we also must be careful to not create a standard set of rules concerning it, nor should we judge others for honoring it in the way they must or choose to do so.
Edwards penned his 38th resolution after making his 37th resolution the day before. During that day, he noted in his journal that he strongly felt the presence and grace of the holy spirit in his life. It might lead one to speculate that he then looked inward for the appropriate response to that gift. Perhaps that was some of the motivation.
Edwards’ Resolution #38 (in my modernized language) 38. Resolved: To uphold the serious significance of the Lord’s Day/Sabbath.
The Sabbath (Rest) is Part of Our Design – Not Designed to Burden
I think most would agree that non-stop working will lead to burnout and a host of medical ailments. One cannot be mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually well in such a condition. There needs to be timeout. Our bodies, minds, and souls require rest.
Even the most productive minded – and I put myself in this category – will admit there is a need for rest. But does it HAVE to be on Sunday and does it have to be every Sunday without exception? What about Saturday services? Does it mean we should be working constantly the other six days of the week? What about those progressive companies who are going to four-day work weeks?
The answer to all those questions is: it depends.
Maybe this is one of those scenarios where we need to stop asking questions that provide loopholes or perceived contradictions. The bottom line: Jesus came to liberate us from the burdens of ritualistic sabbath and legalism.
The Sabbath is not a design for burden…
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 (NIV)
This truth is also reinforced in Colossians 2:16-17. We need rest. That’s because we are designed to get a reset — not just physically, but spiritually, too.
I like how Bob at Seedtime ponders the Sabbath:
The Sabbath was intended to be a time for us to take time out of our busy schedules and reflect on the good things in our life – our relationship with God, our family and our friends.
The Sabbath Points us to Jesus
Jesus invites us to find our rest in him. We see this clearly in Matthew 11:28. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This, and a couple of verses after it summarizes Jesus’s call to discipleship characterizing his earthly ministry.
The people of Israel had been burdened and (metaphorically) enslaved to the legal do’s and don’ts of the Pharisees. In their frustration, they felt guilt, desperation, and shame for an inability to rise to such standards. By codifying the Mosaic law into prohibitions and commandments, they literally established a form of oppression.
In this invitation found in Matthew, Jesus is calling us to turn in those burdens and find the freedom of a life depending on to Him. It’s a call yield completely to Him.
And best of all, it’s available to everyone.
All that said, it’s vital to note that in calling himself the “Lord of the Sabbath,” Jesus did not abolish the Sabbath. What he did was correct our thought, overruling the legalistic (rules and regulations) inventions.
God Develops Us Through the Sabbath
A lot of people will report that they have had some of their best “aha moments” while in the shower. I think that’s because they are both appropriately distracted and appropriately focused.
They are in a mindset of relaxation, allowing their mind to loosely roam. However, they are also in a mode of preparation, offer banks to the rivers of thought streams flowing in their minds. It’s a form of balance. And it’s a moment to be in an environment that isn’t their normal habitat.
In rest, we have a chance to gain a recharge of health and mindset. We actually connect closer to God in the process. Without the trappings of work and obligations, we are free to let God fully occupy our mindspace. In so doing, he teaches us. He develops us. Transforms us. In a sense, he disciples us.
Consider where you an “be in Sabbath” – moments where you are both appropriately focused and distracted. Focus your will and intention to communing with God. Then, you can use scripture, audio, reading, etc. to give some guided distraction.
Perhaps a revealing of some hard truths about your faith are in store. Maybe there will be some spiritual aha moments. The best thing to remember here is that the Sabbath is a gift. We should receive with a grateful heart, but not get so caught up in being perfect keepers of a checklist for keeping it.