Sabbath Priority

“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:11

The United States has become the richest country in the world by working hard. The average American adult, employed full time, works 47 hours per week. Almost 20% of this same group is on the job 60 hours per week! While hard work honors God, there is a down side to this obsession with work–it throws our priorities out of line. When we work as much as we possibly can, it is inevitable that other parts of our lives suffer. It is simply not possible to add hours to the day. Our families suffer, our relationships suffer, our health suffers, and most tragically, our spiritual life suffers. Often, people cannot go to church, be a part of a small group, or even read their Bibles and pray daily because they do not have time. Surely this is not what God intended!

The very beginning of creation is a lesson to us of the importance of rest and priority. God Himself spent six days creating the world. After He finished the work, He rested (Genesis 2:1-2). Did God need a break? Of course not, but He wanted to demonstrate to mankind that it is just as good and necessary to rest as it is to work.

Take a look at your life. How are your priorities? If your work is taking an inordinate amount of your time, what areas of your life are suffering? Are you neglecting your spouse? Your children? Your relationship with God? Stop and rest. Stop and worship. Stop and prioritize. God commands it.

-Pastor Mike