Today as I was talking over the blogging phenomenon with a dear brother, he suggested that I ought not try to blog every day, but that I should take sabbath one day a week. The comment raised a couple issues for me. First, how much of life does the concept of rest and sabbath apply to? I know the rabbis spilled a lot of ink (and verbage) on this one. Clearly their conclusions differed from Jesus, who had a more liberal view of the application. I know we're not under law, so I'm not viewing this as some requirement or test I have to pass. But I'm wondering if God has a preference about such things.
Then there are the other reasons for sabbath. Could it be that taking one day off out of seven may increase the quality of the other six? But I don't apply that rationale to other healthy habits, like brushing teeth or taking a shower. (Okay, sometimes I don't shower one day a week, but not because the next day I'll get cleaner). I suppose taking a break is something I could choose to do, but I wonder if that isn't something I would be tempted to do more out of laziness than obedience?
I'm inclined more toward Daniel R's suggestion to have the occasional brief blog on a lighter topic rather than just avoid writing altogether. But, again going back to my original purpose for this blog. It is not only to be a vehicle to help me reflect. It is also designed to serve me, not to make me its slave.
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3 comments:
So which is the legalist viewpoint, having to blog everyday, or having to take a sabbath?
It's been personally helpful to me to view the Sabbath like a get-out-of-jail-free card from Monopoly. God has handed us this card, saying, "On this day you are not chained to your onerous work load. You can choose to neglect your work without any twinge of guilt from your protestant work ethic. I want you to kick back if you want to, and especially, I want you to spend time enjoying and seeking Me."
Viewing the Sabbath as a get-out-of-jail-free card has helped me see the Sabbath as a delight, not a list. I can thumb my nose at my conscience if I don't feel like doing something on the Sabbath, especially if I'm taking the time like Mary to sit at His feet instead.
However, I really don't know how that applies to pastors with your demanding Sunday tasks.
.., the title also mean that we should take a rest... thanks for the post.. sabbath is not just a simple rest day.. it is also a chance for us to know our self more in the eye of GOd...
Sabbath
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