Counsels on Church Life
Counsel #20 — The 7th Day Sabbath
Picture: Counsel #20 — The 7Th Day Sabbath CCL 30.1
Imagine the Creator, after an epic six-day workweek, celebrating His good creation on the seventh day. That's the origin of the Sabbath! It's God’s gift for everyone, a permanent reminder of creation and its Creator. Even as God rested, the fourth commandment tells us to worship, rest, and serve others on the seventh day, Saturday. It’s a rest from normal work and burdens, a time to focus on heaven and God, like Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, modeled.[41] CCL 30.2
More than just a day off, the Sabbath focuses on quality time with God and our loved ones, pointing to our freedom in Christ, our ongoing journey of becoming more like Him, and our commitment to His family. It's even a sneak peek of what heaven will be like! Celebrate God's creative power and saving grace by keeping this holy time, from sunset to sunset — a time to unwind, recharge, and reflect on all the awesome things God has done.[42] CCL 30.3
“God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:3 NKJV CCL 30.4
“God has given us the whole of six days in which to do our work, and has reserved only one to Himself. This should be a day of blessing to us—a day when we should lay aside all our secular matters and center our thoughts upon God and heaven.” Ellen White in The Faith I Live By, p. 35 CCL 30.5
Reflect: How can you use technology mindfully to enhance your Sabbath experience, rather than detract from it? CCL 30.6