How Not to Pause
;)
This may sound like a paradox, but focusing on God can sometimes be difficult on the Sabbath. Seemingly, there’s so much to do, to not do, to try not to do. Ahhh! It can drive a person mad and defraud the Sabbath of everything it’s meant to be.
The Sabbath Movment’s Pause is about stepping away from the ways we’ve kept the Sabbath in the past and moving towards a stronger focus on God Himself. Or, if this is your first experience keeping the Sabbath try to dodge these as best you can. Below is a cheap shot at some of the common Sabbath habits to avoid that deflect attention from God.
- Depending on others to make the Sabbath worthwhile. “The Whispering Hope Singers were on program, the sermon was vapid, and the food at the potluck was one grain of salt short of cardboard. Maybe next Sabbath will be better.”
- Forgetting – or not taking time to discover – what you can do on the Sabbath. “I’m restless and bored. I see my bible sitting right there looking very lonely…[big yawn].There’s nothing to do. I guess I’ll get some shut-eye.”
- Preparing so much you lose sight of Jesus. “I have to leave church early and prepare for the dinner. I hope no one sees me dip out.” [Check out Luke 10:40-42]
- Focusing on what you can’t do. “I can’t do this, that, or that over there. I don’t want to break the Sabbath (x10).”
- Paying too much attention to what others are doing or not doing. “He shouldn’t do that on the Sabbath. He’s going to burn for that one!” [Check out Mark 3:1-6]
- Worshipping the Sabbath day instead of God. “I’m a Sabbathkeeper first, Christian second.” [Check out Mark 2:23-28]